Examination of Sensory, Two-Point Discrimination, and Strength Parameters Between Dominant and Non-Dominant Hands in Medical Students
Abstract
Aim: Prolonged study hours may lead to changes in the hands and fingers of medical students. This study aims to investigate whether there are usedependent functional and sensory differences in tactile sensitivity, pinch strength, proprioception, and pain threshold between the dominant and nondominant hands of medical students aged 18-30. Materials and Methods: A total of 131 participants (75 females, 56 males) were included. The Edinburgh Handedness Inventory was used to determine the dominant hand. Bilateral tests using monofilaments, two-point discrimination, a pinch meter, and a dolorimeter were performed on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd fingers. All measurements were conducted by the same experienced researcher, and the data were analyzed statistically. Results: Mann-Whitney U test revealed a statistically significant difference between genders in the tests applied to the first three fingers of both hands (p<0.05). However, intra-group analyses within genders showed no significant differences (p>0.05). Spearman correlation analysis indicated significant relationships between age, Edinburgh score, and certain variables (p<0.05), while others were not significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: No statistically significant differences were found between the dominant and non-dominant hands regarding sensation, grip strength, and pain threshold in the first three fingers, which are actively used in holding a pen. These findings are expected to contribute to diagnostic procedures, particularly in neurology clinics.
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References
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