Shock Absorbing Brace for Study of Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders
Data Collection
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome+7
+ Nerve Compression Syndromes
+ Nervous System Diseases
Prevention Study
Summary
Study start date: November 1, 2003
Actual date on which the first participant was enrolled.Workers who use hand-held power tools absorb significant vibration energy in their arms and hands and may develop musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as carpal tunnel syndrome and hand-arm vibration syndrome. Protective braces may be worn to decrease the incidence of occupational MSDs. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has identified key attributes for protective braces; these attributes include vibration damping, comfort, non-interference with worker dexterity, and maintenance of safe hand temperature. Most currently available braces do not adequately address these NIOSH requirements. This study will evaluate the efficacy of a brace with piezoelectric damping material. Participants in the study will be fitted with a brace on each hand. One brace will have piezoelectric damping material and the other will be a currently available, off-the-shelf commercial brace. Hand-held joysticks and handles mounted to a vibration shaker table will be used to simulate power tool use. Participants will undergo a series of tests designed to measure hand acceleration and vibration while grasping the study joysticks and handles. The tests will take approximately 30 minutes.
Protocol
This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.15 patients to be enrolled
Total number of participants that the clinical trial aims to recruit.Prevention Study
Eligibility
Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria: person's general health condition or prior treatments.Any sex
Biological sex of participants that are eligible to enroll.From 21 to 55 Years
Range of ages for which participants are eligible to join.Healthy volunteers allowed
If individuals who are healthy and do not have the condition being studied can participate.Conditions
Pathology
Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Normal hand anatomy and full range of motion Exclusion Criteria: * History of significant hand or wrist arthritis * Open wounds * Prior hand or wrist surgery * Neuropathies * Skin hypersensitivity * Contact dermatitis * Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
Study Centers
These are the hospitals, clinics, or research facilities where the trial is being conducted. You can find the location closest to you and its status.This study has 1 location