Association of Complaints of the Arm, Neck And Shoulders with Hand Grip Strength and Neck Load in Building Construction Workers- A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: The literature regarding how neck load and hand grip strength (HGS) influences the report of complaints of arm, neck and shoulder CANS among building construction workers is sparse. Objective: This study assessed the association of CANS with HGS and load carrying capacity of the neck in building construction workers. Methods: A cross-sectional design involving 174 consenting building construction workers in 15 construction sites of a metropolitan city. Participants were recruited using consecutive sampling. Participants’ age were obtained while weight, height, neck strength, hand grip strength, and load carried on the neck were measured with standard instruments. The Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire was used to evaluate CANS. Data was summarised using frequency and percentages, and analysed using inferential statistics of Chi-square and Pearson moment correlation coefficient at p < 0.05. Results: The findings revealed a high prevalence of neck complaints (93.1%) and musculoskeletal pain (98.1%). Participants overall load was significantly associated (χ²=134.66, p= 0.027) with the experience of musculoskeletal pain, while HGS was significantly associated (χ²=401.78, p= 0.032) with shoulder complaint. A significant negative weak relationship (r=-0.17, p=0.030) was found between age and neck load, while a significant positive weak relationship (r= 0.18, p=0.020) was found between neck flexor muscle strength and neck load. Conclusion: Neck pain and complaints are highly prevalent in building construction workers who carry loads on their neck. The load carried by building construction workers is associated with their experience of musculoskeletal pain. Also, HGS is associated with shoulder complaints in building construction workers.