Comparative study on the wrist positions during raise maneuver and their effect on hand function in individuals with...

To determine the appropriate wrist position in individuals with high-level paraplegia during the RAISE (relief of anatomical ischial skin embarrassment) maneuver.

Thirty individuals with high-level paraplegia were randomly selected; 15 individuals performed RAISE maneuver with extended wrist and 15 with neutral wrist. All the subjects who were at least 1 year post spinal cord injury were screened for positive carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. All the subjects were allowed to participate in a trial of the Jebsen-Taylor Test of Hand Function to familiarize them with the test. Hand function was measured using the Jebsen-Taylor test.

During the RAISE maneuver, individuals with paraplegia weight bearing on their hands with wrists in the neutral position showed better hand function (P < .001) when compared to those weight bearing with their wrists in extension.

Weight bearing with the wrist in neutral position is advisable for paraplegics to prevent the deterioration in hand function due to carpal tunnel syndrome.