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Functional demands and consequences of manual communication
1Department of Surgery (Orthopaedics), University of California, Los Angeles 90024.
The Journal of Hand Surgery
|September 1, 1988
Summary
Sign language interpreters experience overuse syndromes, but standard hand care and conservative treatments are effective. Prevention is key for maintaining hand health in this unique profession.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Linguistics
- Rehabilitation
Background:
- Sign language is a primary communication mode in the US, requiring extensive upper limb use.
- The physical demands and potential consequences of signing on upper limbs are not well understood.
- Upper limb abnormalities and overuse syndromes are potential concerns for signers and interpreters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of upper limb abnormalities on sign language.
- To explore the prevalence and characteristics of overuse syndromes in sign language interpreters.
- To provide recommendations for managing and preventing upper limb issues in signers.
Main Methods:
- Review of 15 signers with diagnosed upper limb abnormalities.
- Exploration of overuse syndromes in six professional sign language interpreters.
- Analysis of the relationship between limb function and signing capabilities.
Main Results:
- Only severe, bilateral upper limb abnormalities significantly impact sign language production.
- Standard, high-quality hand care is generally sufficient for signers with abnormalities.
- Conservative treatments are effective for overuse syndromes in interpreters, though prevention is preferred.
Conclusions:
- Sign language places unique demands on the upper limbs.
- Most upper limb abnormalities do not substantially hinder signing ability.
- Preventative strategies and proper hand care are crucial for sign language interpreters to avoid overuse injuries.