Effect of Forearm and Elbow Joint Positions on Ulnar Nerve Conduction Velocity: A Study of Throwers, Archers, and Non-Athletes

ABSTRACT

Background: The intensive physical regimen followed by throwers and archers can impose stress on the elbow and hand in particular positions, which may increase the risk of developing peripheral nerve disorders and symptoms like pain and numbness. Purpose: The purpose of the study is to investigate the effect of forearm and elbow joint positions on ulnar nerve conduction velocity in throwers, archers, and non-athletes. Method: Total 34 subjects both males and females were included with body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m². Nerve conduction study (NeuroStim NS2 EMG/NCV/EP System) was used for measuring ulnar nerve conduction velocity (NCV) across elbow joint at different angles (0° elbow extension, 45°, 90°, and 120° elbow flexion) with different forearm positions. Result: Repeated Measure Analysis of Variance (RMANOVA) revealed that there was a statistically significant difference in mean values of ulnar NCV at different angles, forearm positions & groups (p < .05). Conclusion: The forearm and elbow positions can have a significant impact on ulnar NCV, especially in athletes who perform repetitive upper limb motions. Results showed that the archers had significantly slower NCV than throwers and non-athletes at 90° of elbow flexion and forearm pronation.

Key words:

• Archers
• elbow positions
• nerve conduction velocity
• throwers
• ulnar nerve

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I would like to express my heartful regards to the MYAS-GNDU Department of Sports Sciences and Medicine for providing funding for conducting this study. The authors would like to thank all the players, team physiotherapists, and coaches who contributed to the data collection.

AUTHORS’ CONTRIBUTION

All authors contributed to the fulfillment of the study.

SOURCE OF SUPPORT

MYAS-GNDU Department of Sports Sciences and Medicine for providing funding for conducting this study.

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).