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Ergonomic Hand Drive Mechanism Reduces Wrist Strain in Wheelchair Users

Study evaluates the impact of an ergonomic hand drive mechanism on wrist orientations in manual wheelchair users to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. Results show decreased wrist strain with EHDM use.

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Ergonomic Hand Drive Mechanism Reduces Wrist Strain in Wheelchair Users

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  1. Wheelchair ergonomic hand drive mechanism use improves wristmechanics associated with carpal tunnel syndrome Lisa A. Zukowski, MA; Jaimie A. Roper, MS; Orit Shechtman, PhD, OTR/L; Dana M. Otzel, PhD; Patty W. Hovis, MSESS; Mark D. Tillman, PhD

  2. Aim • Evaluate use of ergonomic hand drive mechanism (EHDM) in terms of wrist orientations that may predispose conventional manual wheelchair (CMW) users to carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). • Relevance • Among CMW users, 49%–63% experience CTS. • Likely due to combination of large forces transmitted through wrist and extreme wrist orientations. • EHDM in this study uses more neutral wrist orientation.

  3. Method • Participants: • 11 adult full-time CMW users with spinal cord injury. • Procedure: • Motion capture data were collected as participants propelled across flat surface. • 5 trials in CMW. • 5 trials in same CMW fitted with EHDM. • Compared average angular wrist orientations between the 2 propulsion styles.

  4. Results • Use of EHDM resulted in reduced wrist extension and ulnar deviation compared with CMW use.

  5. Conclusion • Shift to more neutral wrist orientations observed with EHDM use may reduce median nerve compression.

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