No abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Thai dancing on the median neural tension, chronaxy, sensory response and grip strength in subjects associated with early stage work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Method: Thirteen computer users with early stage WMSDs voluntarily participated in the single group pre-post designed study. The neural tension of median nerve was measured via an elbow extension range of motion. Chronaxies from strength-duration curve test, the minimum time necessary to excite nerve tissue to stimulate a muscle was measured by electrical stimulator. The tested muscle was the flexor superficial digitorum muscle which was a representative muscle innervated by median nerve. The sensational response was assessed by using Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test. Muscle power from the grip strength test was also examined. All tests were performed prior to and immediately after Thai dancing (10 min). The Thai dancing program comprised of 6 basic Thai dancing movements viz. Prom See Na, Yong Fon Hang, Lor Kaew, Cha Nee Raimai, Ram Yua and Sod Soy Mala consisting of a combination of dance approximately 5-40 times for each movement, in a total of 5 min of dance. The participants were asked to follow the dance provided via clip video by having a first 5 min of practice and another 5 min of true dancing. Result: There were a significant decrease of neural tension (p<0.02) and chronaxy before and after Thai dancing (p < 0.05) and an increase of power grip strength. While the sensory responses before and after Thai dancing were not significantly changed by using the Wilcoxon signed rank test (p > 0.05) The decrease of neural tension (higher degree of elbow extension) and chronaxy and the subsequent increase of power grip strength indicated an improvement of physiological response of median nerve when the neural tension was decreased. Conclusion: The subjected using the computers for a long period could develop median neural tension. This study found Thai dancing could help by reducing the neural tension and improve the nerve functions such as sensation, muscle power, and chronaxy value. Therefore, Thai dancing for 10 min could be beneficial for the people suffering from the early stage WMSDs especially for computer users.