Exploring the Prevalence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) Symptoms in College Students
Abstract
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) causes functional impairments and is prevalent in occupations involving repetitive hand movements. Given the extensive use of electronic devices for coursework, college students may be at risk for CTS. The purpose of this study was twofold: to examine the symptomology of CTS in college students, and to determine treatment strategies used by occupational therapists (OT) who treat college students with CTS. We developed and administered a 17-question College Student CTS Experiences Survey for students. Participants were recruited via flyers posted on a university campus. Inclusion criteria for responding included being a college student experiencing pain, tingling, numbness or weakness in the hands or wrists. Surveys were completed anonymously through a link provided in the participation letter. Two experienced OTs were recruited to participate in a six question interview through Zoom. Of 49 completed surveys, 37 were by undergraduates and 12 were by graduates. 29 (59%) respondents experienced pain, 24 (48%) tingling and weakness, and 21(42%) numbness. 77% of respondents experienced symptoms but only 2% of respondents had been diagnosed with CTS. Common causes of symptoms were phone use, keyboarding and writing. The OTs stated that they commonly treat college students for CTS symptoms and they believed that leisure activities contributed to these symptoms. They discovered that teaching proper posture, ergonomic exercises and verbal communication were effective in treating CTS and can be used to reduce the risks. Results indicate that CTS in college students may go under diagnosed due to not seeking treatment.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Monique Mokha
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-6-2022 12:00 PM
End Date
4-7-2022 5:00 PM
Exploring the Prevalence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) Symptoms in College Students
Alvin Sherman Library
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) causes functional impairments and is prevalent in occupations involving repetitive hand movements. Given the extensive use of electronic devices for coursework, college students may be at risk for CTS. The purpose of this study was twofold: to examine the symptomology of CTS in college students, and to determine treatment strategies used by occupational therapists (OT) who treat college students with CTS. We developed and administered a 17-question College Student CTS Experiences Survey for students. Participants were recruited via flyers posted on a university campus. Inclusion criteria for responding included being a college student experiencing pain, tingling, numbness or weakness in the hands or wrists. Surveys were completed anonymously through a link provided in the participation letter. Two experienced OTs were recruited to participate in a six question interview through Zoom. Of 49 completed surveys, 37 were by undergraduates and 12 were by graduates. 29 (59%) respondents experienced pain, 24 (48%) tingling and weakness, and 21(42%) numbness. 77% of respondents experienced symptoms but only 2% of respondents had been diagnosed with CTS. Common causes of symptoms were phone use, keyboarding and writing. The OTs stated that they commonly treat college students for CTS symptoms and they believed that leisure activities contributed to these symptoms. They discovered that teaching proper posture, ergonomic exercises and verbal communication were effective in treating CTS and can be used to reduce the risks. Results indicate that CTS in college students may go under diagnosed due to not seeking treatment.
