Smoking, Pain Threshold, and Hand Strength in Women

The Effect of Smoking on Pain Threshold, Cervical Position Sense, and Grip Strength in Women

This study aims to investigate the effects of smoking on pain threshold, cervical position sense, and grip strength in women. Measurements will include pressure pain threshold (PPT), cervical position sense (CPS), grip strength, and pinch strength.

Smoking is widely recognized as one of the leading preventable causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide and constitutes a major public health problem. Smoking is thought to negatively influence pain perception, proprioceptive sensory feedback, and muscle performance. In this context, examining the combined effects of smoking on pain threshold, CPS, and grip strength in women may contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the multidimensional impact of smoking on the neuromuscular and sensory systems. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of smoking on pain threshold, CPS, and grip strength in women.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women aged 18-45, both smokers and non-smokers

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals with any diagnosed neurological, rheumatological, or musculoskeletal disorder (e.g., brachial plexus injury, cervical radiculopathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, fibromyalgia),
• upper extremity deformity,
• migraine,
• chronic headache
• experienced neck or upper extremity injury or surgery within the previous six months