Association of Hand Physical Activity with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Packing Workers

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common work-related musculoskeletal disorder, particularly among individuals engaged in repetitive hand movements, such as packing workers, yet the specific association between hand physical activity and carpal tunnel syndrome in this population remains underexplored. Objective: To evaluate the association of hand physical activity with carpal tunnel syndrome among packing workers. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 323 packing workers from various factories in Sialkot, Pakistan. Workers aged 18 to 35 years, both male and female, were included. Pregnant females, individuals with other hand abnormalities, or those younger than 18 or older than 35 years were excluded. Data collection was done using the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire and the provocative Phalen test. Descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies and percentages, while the Spearman test was used for inferential statistics to evaluate the correlation between CTS and hand physical activity. The results, including the sum of BCTQ scores, were displayed in charts, tables, and graphs. Results: Among 323 packing workers, carpal tunnel syndrome prevalence was 68.8% in males and 31.6% in females. Age-wise, 63.8% of subjects were aged 25–35 years, while 36.2% were aged 18–25 years. Due to non-normal data distribution (Shapiro-Wilk test), the Spearman’s test was applied, showing a significant association between hand physical activity and carpal tunnel syndrome (p<0.001). Conclusion: The study found a high prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome among packing workers, with a significant negative correlation between hand physical activity and this syndrome. Findings confirm a strong association between hand physical activity and carpal tunnel syndrome.