Article

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.

Langue : ANGLAIS