Hand Activities and Disorders

Abstract

Introduction: Hands are involved in the completion of different working activities. Hand activities are of particular importance in occupations where risk factors for occupational disorders, including musculoskeletal disorders, are commonplace among workers. This study aimed to examine hand activities and associated disorders. Methods: In this study, hand activities and methods for assessing hand activities were identified. The literature, journals, and websites pertaining to the assessment of hand activities were reviewed with a focus on ergonomic factors for human engineering. Harmful activities to the hands and specific evaluation methods were identified. Subsequently, hand disorders were assessed. Data were analyzed with SPSS.Results: Numerous tests and a checklist were used to evaluate manual activities. Hand disorders included osteoarthritis of hand joints, metacarpophalangeal joints, and finger joints. Other disorders comprised the tendinitis of the hand and finger muscles, as well as the flexor, extensor, and abductor muscles for fingers. Assessment results were satisfactory for the majority of workers.Conclusion: The best method for assessing hand activity should include both objective and subjective findings. The most effective method for preventing hand disorders is considering subjective complaints and objective findings. In this study, authos found the majority of workers exhibited acceptable assessment results.