Correlation of functional ability of upper extremity and scoliosis among university students

Leong, Sammi Sing Yee (2022) Correlation of functional ability of upper extremity and scoliosis among university students. Final Year Project, UTAR.

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Abstract

Background and Objective: Scoliosis is a spinal deformity that is said to be having multifactorial epidemiology. School Scoliosis Screening (SSS) has not been offered in Malaysia and this might lead to occurrence of scoliosis in all age groups, including college students. Upper extremity functions are significant in our activities of daily living and is found to be affected by scoliosis. Therefore, this study aims to assess the influence of different scoliotic curve patterns and levels to the functions of upper extremity among college students. Methods: Scoliosis screening and upper extremity assessment was done among UTAR students in both Sungai Long and Kampar campus. Scoliometer was used in scoliosis screening while upper extremity assessment include handgrip strength, pinch strength, Nine Hole Peg test, Nelson Hand Reaction test and CKCUES test. A total of 40 university students were included for this study and the sampling method used was convenience sampling. The data collected were analyzed using Spearman’s Correlation and Mann-Whitney test in IBM SPSS software statistics version 26. Results: The data for all 40 subjects were analyzed. 20 were males and 20 were females. The upper extremity functions are found to be better in dominant hands among all 40 right-handed subjects. Lumbar curve is correlated with all three types of pinch strength and handgrip strength while thoracic curve only correlated with the right pinch strength and handgrip strength. Both left and right convexity of scoliotic curve is found to be significantly correlated with all three types of pinch strength and also handgrip strength. Lumbar scoliotic curvature group had a significantly weaker lateral pinch strength and handgrip strength than thoracic scoliotic curvature group. Right upper extremity performs better at convex side while left upper extremity performs better at concave side. Conclusion: Upper extremity function is found to be correlated with scoliotic iii curve pattern and level of curve. Individuals with lumbar curvatures were found to be having weaker upper extremity functions, particularly in strength assessments.

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