Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine whether the Vibratron II is sufficiently reliable and valid to identify those at risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Hypothesis I was that the protocol for measuring perception of stimulation by the Vibratron II would be stable over time. The correlation coefficient for test retest measurements (n = 103) of ascending stimulation was.93 and for descending stimulus was.95 Hypothesis II was there would be a positive relation between electrodiagnostic sensory latency scores and scores on the Vibratron II. A Pearson product moment correlation revealed a strong relation between sensory latency scores and scores on the Vibratron II (r =.91). Research hypothesis III was no gender differences would exist in scores on the Vibratron II. Results of an analysis of covariance with age as the covariate and gender as the main effect confirmed hypothesis III. Research hypothesis IV was that older subjects would have higher mean scores than younger subjects on the Vibratron II. Analysis of covariance with age as the covariate and gender as the main effect revealed a statistically significant difference by age. Further analysis using a one way anova with five age groups (20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60 or above) revealed a statistically significant difference in the perceptions of stimulation by age. The results of post hoc analysis revealed specific differences among age groups. The investigator concludes that measurements on the Vibratron II are stable over time with excellent test-retest reliability. A convergent validity study demonstrated an excellent correlation between the Vibratron II and sensory latency scores of the median nerve (r =.91). A known-groups validity study demonstrated an age difference. The excellent stability of the Vibratron II over time and the strong relation between scores of the Vibratron II and sensory latency scores of the median nerve suggest that the Vibratron II is a reliable and valid screening test for individuals who are at risk for developing CTS because of their jobs. Recommendations are made for a CTS health promotion program, CTS prevention program, and a CTS intervention program at work sites.
Bowman, O. Jayne (1994). Screening for carpal tunnel syndrome at work sites. Texas A&M University. Texas A&M University. Libraries. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /DISSERTATIONS -1554183.