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NCT Number: NCT06497179

Effect of Handedness on Electromyographic Activity of Hand Muscles and Nerve Conduction Velocity During Use Mobil Phone in School Age Children

Asymmetries in both physiology and anatomy at different levels of the central nervous system, which controls the upper extremities, are well-established. These asymmetries, related to handedness, are evident in the motor cortex and corticospinal tract. Moreover, variances have been identified in peripheral nervous pathways, including elevated sensory detection thresholds and increased conduction velocities in the motor nerve of the dominant arm.

Apart from disparities in the nervous system, differences also arise in the muscles. Prolonged preferential utilization of muscles on the dominant side of the body may lead to alterations in muscle fiber composition, characterized by a higher predominance of slow-twitch type I fibers.

Modern technology plays a key role in daily human life. This involves keeping pace with rapid changes in the field of communication technology. In this context, smartphones have become an essential part of life, not only in matters related to communication, but also as essential social accessories. As a result of this social involvement in communication technology, young children have become avid smartphones users. Holding a phone in hand needs support from fingers, flexion of hand and wrist, so holding the phone in same position for long periods can cause huge amount of stress on the structures present in the hand. This stress can cause injuries and damages in longer periods.

To address this objective, we will examine muscle synergies on the dominant sides in right-handed and left-handed participants while performing upper limb motor tasks. To accomplish this, we will conduct the following: Comparative analysis of motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities (radial, median, and ulnar) in right-handed and left-handed individuals during smartphone use. Comparison of hand muscle activation between right-handed and left-handed individuals during smartphone use.

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This study is active but is not currently recruiting participants.

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Key information

Conditions

Lateralization of the Brain Hemispheres

Age range

12 year–14 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

faculty of pysical therapy, MTI university

Cairo, Egypt

About this study

Handedness is a well-recognized behavioral phenomenon characterized by a preference for using one hand over the other. This study investigates the impact of handedness on electromyographic (EMG) activity of hand muscles and nerve conduction velocity during smartphone use.

This interventional parallel study included 70 participants (35 left-handed, 35 right-handed) aged 12 - 14 years inclusion criteria: normal BMI (16.5-24 kg/m²) no regular athletic activity, Participants shared the same socioeconomic level used the same smartphone model (6.7-inch touchscreen).

Exclusion criteria

included:

peripheral nerve injury upper extremity movement limitations history of upper extremity fractures or deformities, neurological disorders such as peripheral neuropathy due to type I diabetes mellitus.

EMG activity and nerve conduction velocities (radial, median, and ulnar nerves) will be measured before and during smartphone use. Muscle activation will be assessed for the abductor pollicis longus (APL), extensor carpi radialis (ECR), flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU), and first dorsal interosseous muscles. Statistical analysis will be conducted to identify significant differences between left-handed and right-handed participants.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

normal BMI (16.5-24 kg/m²)
no regular athletic activity, participated.
Participants shared the same socioeconomic level
used the same smartphone model (6.7-inch touchscreen)

Exclusion criteria

peripheral nerve injury
upper extremity movement limitations
history of upper extremity fractures or deformities,
neurological disorders such as peripheral neuropathy due to type I diabetes mellitus.

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

Nerve Conduction Velocity

Time frame: one day

Nerves Assessed: Ulnar, median, and radial Phases: Phase 1: Pre-test without smartphone use. Phase 2: After 10 minutes of smartphone use. Consistency: Testing and laboratory environments will be kept constant. The same physiotherapist and neurophysiologist administered all tests. Measurements will be taken while participants used their dominant hand to operate the smartphone.
maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC)

Time frame: one day

Muscle Activation Assessment for Flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU), extensor carpi radialis (ECR), abductor pollicis longus (APL), and first dorsal interosseous muscle. Positioning: Participants will sit on a chair with feet on the ground. Coupling gel will be applied to electrodes, straps will be used to prevent movement and wires will be kept loose. EMG machine functionality will be checked prior to use. MVIC measures and evaluates muscle strength and normalizes EMG data. Procedure: Explained to parents beforehand, with measurements will take on the same day. Peak force and target muscle force will be analyzed for MVIC. Data Analysis: Average Rectified EMG (ARV) will be used to measure muscle activity, as it is less variable compared to peak EMG variables. Changes in EMG signal indicating muscle fatigue included increased mean absolute value, amplitude, duration of muscle action potential, and a shift to lower frequencies.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

MTI University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Impact of Handedness on Electromyographic Activity of Hand Muscles and Nerve Conduction Velocity During Mobile Phone Use in School-age Children

Important dates

Study start: 2024
Primary completion: 2024
Study completion: 2024
First posted: Jul 11, 2024
Registry last updated: Sep 4, 2024

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

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This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.