Wheelchair ergonomic hand drive mechanism use improves wrist mechanics associated with carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is common in manual wheelchair users due to repetitive wrist motions and high forces. This study explores whether using an ergonomic hand drive mechanism (EHDM) can reduce risky wrist positions. The EHDM was tested on 11 wheelchair users, comparing their wrist movements with the EHDM to their movements with a standard wheelchair. The results showed that the EHDM led to less wrist extension and ulnar deviation. By using the EHDM, wheelchair users may experience less median nerve compression, potentially reducing the risk of developing or worsening carpal tunnel syndrome.

• 1
  Use of the EHDM resulted in reduced wrist extension compared to conventional manual wheelchair (CMW) use, particularly during percentiles 20 to 40 of the push.
• 2
  EHDM propulsion resulted in an average of 13.7° less ulnar deviation than CMW propulsion during the last 30 percent of the push.
• 3
  EHDM propulsion consistently utilized an average wrist orientation within the limits of the neutral range of wrist positioning in both planes of motion.