Performance of a high-repetition, high-force task induces carpal tunnel syndrome in rats

A randomized controlled prospective experimental study with some repeated measures.

To characterize behavioral, sensory, motor, and nerve conduction decrements, and histological changes in the median nerve in rats trained to perform a high-force repetitive task.

Understanding of work-related carpal tunnel syndrome is hampered by the lack of experimental studies of the causes and mechanisms of nerve compression induced by repetitive motion. Most animal models of nerve compression have not employed voluntary repetitive motion as the stimulus for pathophysiological changes.

Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats served as controls for 1 or more studies. Ten rats were trained to pull on a bar with 60% maximum force 4 times per minute, 2 h/d, 3 d/wk for 12 weeks. Motor behavior and limb withdrawal threshold force were characterized weekly. Grip strength and median nerve conduction velocity were measured after 12 weeks. Median nerves were examined immunohistochemically for ED1-positive macrophages, collagen, and connective tissue growth factor.

Reach rate and duration of task performance declined over 12 weeks. Grip strength and nerve conduction velocity were significantly lower after 12 weeks than in controls. Limb withdrawal threshold increased between weeks 6 and 12. Median nerves at the level of the wrist showed increases in macrophages, collagen, and connective-tissue growth-factor-positive cells. These effects were seen in both the reach and nonreach limbs.

This animal model exhibits all the features of human carpal tunnel syndrome, including impaired sensation, motor weakness, and decreased median nerve conduction velocity. It establishes a causal relationship between performance of a repetitive task and development of carpal tunnel syndrome.