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Altered fine motor control and manual dexterity in people with cocaine dependence: An observational study
Author(s) -
SánchezCamarero Carlos,
OrtegaSantiago Ricardo,
AriasHorcajadas Francisco,
MadozGúrpide Agustín,
MiangolarraPage Juan Carlos,
PalaciosCeña Domingo
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
australian occupational therapy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.595
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1440-1630
pISSN - 0045-0766
DOI - 10.1111/1440-1630.12551
Subject(s) - observational study , analysis of variance , psychology , repeated measures design , rehabilitation , physical medicine and rehabilitation , occupational therapy , cocaine dependence , audiology , medicine , physical therapy , psychiatry , addiction , statistics , mathematics , pathology
Background/aim Cocaine consumption may result in irreversible structural changes in the brain. The long‐term effects of cocaine are related to a wide range of deteriorated cognitive functions. This study aimed to examine the fine motor control and hand‐function in cocaine users compared to healthy controls. Methods An observational study was conducted. Sociodemographic variables, substance consumption, the Purdue Pegboard and the Jebsen–Taylor Hand‐function Test were evaluated bilaterally in 35 participants who were cocaine users and in 35 healthy participants. Differences between sides (dominant and non‐dominant hands) and groups were analysed with analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results The ANOVA revealed significant differences between groups ( P < 0.001) and between sides (dominant and non‐dominant hands) ( P = 0.005) for the one‐hand pin placement subtest of the Purdue Pegboard Test. Also, ANOVA tests showed significant differences between sides, but not groups, for the simulated feeding ( P < 0.001) and stacking checkers ( P < 0.001) Jebsen–Taylor subtests. Cocaine user participants exhibited significantly lower scores in bilateral pin placement and required more time for the Jebsen–Taylor subtests compared to healthy participants. Conclusions Cocaine user participants display deficits of fine motor control and some aspects of manual dexterity when compared to healthy controls. These findings show the convenience of incorporating functional rehabilitation by occupational therapists as a key component within the treatment of cocaine users. This study therefore opens a new field of practice for occupational therapy based on the assessment and treatment of motor deficits in the hand and the upper limb of people who consume cocaine.