A Correlation Study to Analyze the Relationship Between Neck Pain, Level of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) Risk and Handgrip Strength in Desktop Workers

INTRODUCTION: Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are the most common disorder in Desktop workers. Among these MSDs, Neck pain causes the highest burden. Many ergonomic-related MSDs are primarily caused by ergonomic risk factors. Hand grip strength is the essential unit of Desktop workers. Neck disorders influence hand function which may be explained by the Double crush phenomenon. Neck pain, constrained postures and decreased handgrip strength may increase the injury risk, work of absence and loss of productivity. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship between Neck pain, Level of MSD risk and Handgrip strength in Desktop workers. METHOD: In this Cross-sectional Correlational study design, 152 Desktop workers with Neck Pain were taken based on convenient sampling technique. Neck pain, Level of MSD risk and Handgrip strength were assessed by using VAS, RULA and Handheld Dynamometer for both the hands for 3 trials respectively. Data was collected and analyzed using Spearman's rho correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Spearman's rho correlation between VAS and RULA was statistically significant, p= <.001 (p<0.05) indicating that the relationship was positive, moderate in strength, correlation between VAS and HGS was statistically significant, p value = <.001 (p<0.05) indicating that the relationship was negative, moderate in strength and the correlation between RULA and HGS was statistically significant, p value = <.001 (p<0.05) indicating that the relationship was negative, weak in strength. CONCLUSION: Based on this statistical analysis, this study shows that there was a significant relationship between Neck Pain, Level of MSD risk and Handgrip strength in Desktop workers. Key words: Musculoskeletal disorder, Visual Analogue scale, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment, Handgrip strength, Handheld dynamometer.