Effect of hand rehabilitation in overuse injuries of hand in professional rock climbers

Abstract

Background: Rock climbing places extreme forces on the upper extremity. The various grip techniques transmit extremely high forces through the tissue of the digits, hand and forearm resulting in a variety of acute and chronic injuries. Climbers present a stronger imbalance, it is probable that they have more difficulties in controlling and protecting their joints and are, therefore more exposed to joints instability, joint surface over-use and/or ligament tear. For this type of injuries hand rehab can be given which can improve their strength and prevent injuries. Aim: Effect of hand rehabilitation in overuse injuries of hand in professional rock climbers. Objectives: Effect of hand rehabilitation on overall hand function on overuse injuries of hand in professional rock climbers. Material and methodology: Total number of 60 professional rock climbers between age 18-35 years of both genders with at least 1 year of experience were selected by simple random sampling. Michigan hand outcome questionnaire was used to assess using aneroid sphygmomanometer was used pre and post intervention. Intervention is based on strengthening exercises of finger flexors and extensors, intrinsic and numerical muscles for thrice a week until 3 week for 30 minutes. Results: After comparing pre and post intervention data using student paired t test results showed that there was significant improvement in hand function (p<0.000), work (p<0.000), adls (p<0.000), reduction of pain (p<0.000) and hand grip strength (p<0.000).Conclusion: There is significant improvement in overall hand function and hand grip strength in professional rock climbers.