Comparison of Upper Limb Weakness among Drivers and Non-Drivers: Upper Limb Weakness among Drivers and Non-Drivers

Fatima Mazhar; Arbab Ali Bajwa; Badar Hamza; Muhammad Faizan Ibrar; Erum Ghaffar; Rimsha Tariq; Aneeqa Aqdas

doi:10.54393/pbmj.v8i7.1268

Authors

Fatima Mazhar Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Hajvery University, Lahore, Pakistan
Arbab Ali Bajwa Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Hajvery University, Lahore, Pakistan
Badar Hamza Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Hajvery University, Lahore, Pakistan
Muhammad Faizan Ibrar Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Hajvery University, Lahore, Pakistan
Erum Ghaffar Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Hajvery University, Lahore, Pakistan
Rimsha Tariq Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Hajvery University, Lahore, Pakistan
Aneeqa Aqdas Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Hajvery University, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pbmj.v8i7.1268

Keywords:

Upper Extremity, Muscle Strength, Automobile Driving, Occupational Health, Range of Motion, Hand Strength, Comparative Study

Abstract

The strength of the upper limbs is crucial for performing daily activities, and prolonged working hours, such as driving, can lead to muscle weakness. Muscle activity may be impacted by repetitive movements of the upper limb, posture, and vibrations to which the drivers are exposed. The evaluation of upper limb weakness in groups of drivers and non-drivers can be used to gain insight into the occupational effects of this condition and possible preventive measures. Objective: To compare upper limb weakness among drivers and non-drivers. Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 54 male respondents (27 drivers and 27 non-drivers) who were recruited by a convenience sampling method. MMT was applied to evaluate the upper limb strength. SPSS version 27.0 was used to analyze data. Results: A total of 54 participants were included, evenly divided between drivers (n=27) and non-drivers (n=27). The majority were middle-aged, with the largest proportion aged 46–55 years (29.6%), and most participants were right-handed (79.6%). There were no statistically significant differences in upper limb muscle strength between drivers and non-drivers across shoulder, elbow, and wrist movements (p>0.05). However, shoulder adduction showed a notable trend, with 48.1% of non-drivers exhibiting normal strength (Grade 5) compared to only 14.8% of drivers (p=0.054). Elbow flexion also favoured non-drivers (40.7% vs. 29.6% with Grade 5 strength), though the difference was not significant (p=0.378). Most strength grades across all movements fell within Grade 4 (against some resistance) for both groups. Conclusion: It was concluded that there were significant differences in upper limb strength between drivers and non-drivers.

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