Blackberry Thumb Syndrome among College Students

This study aimed to determine the association between demographic characteristics and the occurrence of Blackberry Thumb among college students of Liceo de Cagayan University. This research utilized an analytic observation cross-sectional method. Participants of the study included 50 college students, age ranging from 15 to 26 years old, where 60% are females. Potential study subjects were approached in different campus locations. A questionnaire was provided to determine the demographic characteristics. This was followed by a numerical pain scale, and a hand symptom diagram. The researchers, under the direction of a licensed physical therapist conducted assessment of tenderness, swelling, and functional testing of the hand and wrist. Results reveal that less than half of the respondents are experiencing some mild symptoms of Blackberry Thumb Syndrome. The researchers conclude that if there is pain due to text messaging; there is increase in the pain intensity; the location of pain is most probably located at the palmar aspect of the right hand (thenar eminence, web space, thumb pulp/pad or the tip of the thumb); it is most likely an aching pain; and there may be symptoms of tenderness. If the pain is at the palmar aspect of the hand, it is most certainly because the person uses his or her thumb more often for texting. Most females experience pain at the palmar aspect of the right hand. Longer time spent and increase frequency in texting can intensify symptoms of repetitive stress injuries, particularly tenderness.

 

Keywords: Physical Therapy, Repetitive Stress Injury, Blackberry Thumb Syndrom, descriptive design, Philippines