title: Wheelchair ergonomic hand drive mechanism use improves wrist mechanics associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
abstract: Among conventional manual wheelchair (CMW) users, 49% to 63% experience carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) that is likely induced by large forces transmitted through the wrist and extreme wrist orientations. The ergonomic hand drive mechanism (EHDM) tested in this study has been shown to utilize a more neutral wrist orientation. This study evaluates the use of an EHDM in terms of wrist orientations that may predispose individuals to CTS. Eleven adult full-time CMW users with spinal cord injury participated. Motion data were captured as participants propelled across a flat surface, completing five trials in a CMW and five trials in the same CMW fitted with the EHDM. Average angular wrist orientations were compared between the two propulsion styles. Use of the EHDM resulted in reduced wrist extension and ulnar deviation. The shift to more neutral wrist orientations observed with EHDM use may reduce median nerve compression.
authors: Lisa A
authors: LA
authors: Zukowski
authors: Jaimie A
authors: JA
authors: Roper
authors: Orit
authors: O
authors: Shechtman
authors: Dana M
authors: DM
authors: Otzel
authors: Patty W
authors: PW
authors: Hovis
authors: Mark D
authors: MD
authors: Tillman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000534:rehabilitation; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation; D014910:Wheelchairs / Q000009:adverse effects; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: assistive technology; biomechanics; kinematics; median nerve; mobility; propulsion; quality of life; spinal cord injury; upper limb; wheelchair