Comparative study demonstrates reduced radial mobility and strength imbalance in food service workers with ulnar wrist pain, indicating altered joint mechanics.
Key Points
To compare active wrist radial and ulnar deviation range of motion and normalized isometric strength between food service workers with and without ulnar-sided wrist pain.
Evaluated 30 food service workers divided into an ulnar-sided wrist pain group (n = 15; pain duration >3 months, pain score ≥4, positive ulnar fovea sign) and an asymptomatic control group (n = 15).
Measured active wrist radial and ulnar deviation range of motion using a goniometer and maximal voluntary isometric strength (normalized to body weight) using a digital sensor to compute directional asymmetry indices.
The pain group showed significantly lower active radial deviation range of motion (p = 0.002) and a higher motion asymmetry index (p = 0.001) compared to controls, with no significant differences in ulnar deviation range.
Normalized radial deviation strength (p < 0.001) and ulnar deviation strength (p = 0.036) were significantly decreased in the pain group, alongside a significantly greater strength asymmetry index (p < 0.001).