Affiliations: Dixie State College of Utah, St. George, UT, USA | Division of Dental Hygiene, University of
Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Debra M. James, PO Box 1848, St
George, UT 84771, USA. Tel.: +1 541 891 0536; E-mail: d_james41@netzero.com
Abstract: Strengthening exercises like those used to treat carpal tunnel
syndrome have been recommended for prevention however their effectiveness when
used in this manner are not known. The purpose of this study was to determine
the effects of the Flextend Orthotic Device® on grip strength of dental
hygiene students. This study used a convenience sample of 24 (n=24) first year dental
hygiene students. Students were randomly assigned to either the Flextend
Orthotic Exercise glove group or a control group. A series of grip strength
measurements were taken periodically throughout the study using a hydraulic
hand dynamometer. In a repeated measures analysis of covariance there were no
significant effects for study group (p=0.812) time (p=0.954), nor was there a
significant interaction between group and time (p=0.858). Use of the Flextend Orthotic Device® did not additionally
increase grip strength among dental hygiene students over the eight week time
period. In none of the weeks post baseline was there a significant difference
between the Flextend Orthotic Device® group and control groups.
