Acute median nerve dysfunction from wheelchair propulsion : the development of a model and study of the effect of hand protection

Carpal tunnel syndrome is prevalent among individuals who are wheelchair dependent. Maximal electrophysiologic median nerve dysfunction has been isolated to the proximal part of the carpal tunnel-the site of handwheel interface during wheeling. The objective of this study was to determine if measurable median nerve dysfunction (conduction slowing or block) results from a single session of vigorous wheeling and, if so, if protection for the hand with a glove (padded over the region of the carpal tunnel) could minimize the dysfunction. Thirtybve subjects (16 wheelchair dependent; 19 able-bodied) propelled a roller-mounted wheelchair at maximal rate of 2,000 hand strikes. A protective glove was worn on 1 hand only