Abstract
Background:
In the era of the computer revolution ubiquitous electronic devices comprise more than 80% of the work done using desktops and laptops. The wrist joint's reduced movement due to longer working hours on a computer is more closely associated with neurological symptoms like entrapment neuropathy at the wrist. With varying sensitivity and specificity, certain provocative test like Phalen’s test, are used to make diagnoses and have been employed as outcome measures in clinical investigations in the study.

Aim:
To evaluate and compare the role of provocative tests in the diagnosis of nerve compression among computer operators.

Methods:
This observational study was conducted in the Neurology OPD and Physiology Department. Sample size: The study included 120 participants with average age 18- 50 (34±6.4) years. Group I - 60 long duration (>6 hrs/day for more than two years) and Group II - 60 short duration (<2 hrs/week for more than two years) computer operators were included in the study . Phalen’s test for median nerve compression was performed on participants.

Results:
The study showed Phalen’s test with positive results with 15% in long-duration and 1.7% in short-duration computer operators. There was a statistically significant association between the duration of computer use and Phalen’s test for diagnosing median nerve compression.

Conclusion:
Computer use for a long time causes median nerve compression, and Phalen’s test is sensitive to tingling, numbness, and paraesthesia. Phalen’s test as a provocative diagnostic test can be used for screening and early detection of CTS in computer operators. Further confirmation by nerve conduction studies is required.

Key words: Computer operators, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Phalen’s test, Carpal compression test, Median nerve