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Does continuous passive motion during keyboarding affect hand blood flow and wrist function? A prospective case
J R Stevenson1, J M Blake, T F Douglas
1College of Health Professions, Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA. stevensj@gvsu.edu
Work (Reading, Mass.)
|April 30, 2005
Summary
Continuous passive motion (CPM) devices may help clerical workers with keyboarding tasks. This ergonomic intervention may prevent and treat carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms by improving hand vascular flow.
Area of Science:
- Ergonomics
- Occupational Health
- Vascular Physiology
Background:
- Repetitive keyboarding tasks can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and other hand ailments.
- Clerical employees are at high risk for developing work-related upper extremity disorders.
- Existing ergonomic interventions may not fully address vascular compromise in the hand.
Observation:
- A prospective case report evaluated a continuous passive motion (CPM) keyboard platform device.
- Two female clerical workers, one with symptomatic CTS, participated in the 6-week study.
- Data included symptom screening, physical examination, typing tests, and Doppler ultrasound for vascular flow.
Findings:
- Both subjects showed increased radial and ulnar blood flow velocity.
- Typing productivity remained consistent, with no decrement observed.
- The symptomatic subject experienced improved typing speed, reduced disability, and fewer symptoms.
Implications:
- CPM devices represent a potential non-intrusive ergonomic intervention for keyboard users.
- This approach may offer a method for both preventing and treating carpal tunnel-like symptoms.
- Further research is warranted to validate these findings in larger cohorts.