Date of Award
2009
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program
Kinesiology
Supervisor
Dr. Timothy Doherty
Abstract
PURPOSE: The aim of the current study was to examine the effect of ulnar nerve conduction block on the strength and fatiguability of the first dorsal interosseous muscle (FDI). METHODS: Eight controls and nine patients presenting with ulnar nerve conduction block (CB) performed index finger abduction (FDI contraction) maximal voluntary contractions (MVC’s) using a custom-built hand dynamometer to assess strength. Isometric FDI contractions held at 70% MVC until failure were used to assess fatiguability. Affected and healthy sides were tested to allow for comparison within individuals. RESULTS: CB affected side demonstrated significant decreases in strength and muscle endurance versus the unaffected side and controls. The extent of CB was positively correlated with the decrements in strength and endurance. CONCLUSION: The decrement in strength was due to an inability to recruit all of the available muscle
fibres in the limb affected by CB. The decrease in endurance was possibly a result of frequency-dependent conduction block during sustained muscle contraction
Recommended Citation
Allen, Matti D., "Effect of demyelinating ulnar nerve injury on strength and fatigue" (2009). Digitized Theses. 3933.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/3933