Experimental brain research. Experimentelle Hirnforschung. Expérimentation cérébrale
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Subjects with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) typically describe self-perceived pinch grip deficits, clumsiness sensations and difficulty with grasping small objects, which suggest the existence of a fine motor control deficit. No previous studies have investigated fine motor control and pinch grip force bilaterally in patients diagnosed with moderate CTS. Our aim was to investigate differences in fine motor control ability and pinch grip force between patients with unilateral CTS and healthy controls. ⋯ The ANOVA also revealed significant differences between groups (F = 141.2; P < 0.001), and fingers (F = 142.2; P < 0.001), but not between sides (F = 0.9; P = 0.4) for pinch grip strength: CTS patients showed bilateral lower pinch grip force levels in all fingers when compared to controls (P < 0.001). Fine motor control and pinch grip were negatively related to the hand pain intensity and duration of symptoms history (all, P < 0.01). Our findings revealed bilateral deficits in fine motor control ability and pinch grip force in patients with unilateral moderate CTS when compared to controls.