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Investigation of hand functions in individuals with cannabis and its derivatives use disorder

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Abstract

Background

The present study was aimed to compare the grip/pinch strengths and manual dexterity of individuals with and without the use of cannabis and its derivatives.

Methods

A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted with 66 individuals, including 33 cases with the use of cannabis (and its derivatives) and 33 age- and sex-matched controls. Grip and pinch strengths were evaluated with a dynamometer. The Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT), Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT), and Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) were used to assess the hand function.

Results

The hand grip strength and dominant hand 2-point pinch (2PP) grip strength were less in individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) (p < 0.05). The 9HPT duration of the SUD patients was higher (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the MMDT insertion and rotation test results were different between the groups (p < 0.05). Grip strength was related with the MMDT insertion and rotation tests (r =  −0.411 to −0.480). There was significant correlation between grip strength with dominant hand 9HPT (r =  −0.370) and between dominant hand 3-point pinch (3PP) strength with MMDT insertion (r =  −0.378). In addition, dominant hand 2PP strength was correlated with overall hand function of MHQ (r = 0.382).

Conclusion

The individuals with cannabis use disorder showed reduced grip strength on both sides and decreased 2PP strength on the dominant side compared to healthy individuals. In addition, there is a decrease in the hand skills of individuals with cannabis use disorder. Decreased grip strength of individuals with cannabis use disorder affected their hand skills negatively.

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Data availability

All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiotherapy, Vocational School of Health Services, Üsküdar University, 34664, Üsküdar, İstanbul, Turkey

    Bekir Güçlü

  2. Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Muğla, Turkey

    Baki Umut Tuğay

  3. Department of Health Care Services, Köyceğiz Vocational School of Health Services, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Muğla, Turkey

    Fatih Özden

  4. Department of Orthopedic Prosthesis and Orthotics, Vocational School of Health Services, Üsküdar University, İstanbul, Turkey

    Esra Erğun Keşli

  5. Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Üsküdar University, İstanbul, Turkey

    Cemal Onur Noyan

Authors
  1. Bekir Güçlü
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  2. Baki Umut Tuğay
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  4. Esra Erğun Keşli
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  5. Cemal Onur Noyan
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Bekir Güçlü.

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Ethics approval

The study was carried out in accordance with the ethical principles and the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the ethics committee of Bezmiâlem Vakıf University (No:21/289).

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Informed consent of the patients was obtained.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Güçlü, B., Tuğay, B.U., Özden, F. et al. Investigation of hand functions in individuals with cannabis and its derivatives use disorder. Ir J Med Sci 192, 675–683 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-022-03006-w

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-022-03006-w

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