NCT00074893

Protective Brace to Prevent Hand and Arm Injuries

Shock Absorbing Brace for Study of Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 15 (planned)
• Sponsor: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) · NIH
• Sex: All
• Age: 21 Years – 55 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

When people use hand-held power tools, their hands and arms vibrate along with the tool they are holding. People who frequently use hand-held power tools may develop injuries related to this vibration. This study will evaluate a protective brace designed to prevent vibration-related hand and arms injuries.

Detailed description

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.

Conditions

• Cumulative Trauma Disorders
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	piezoelectric wrist brace

Timeline

• Start date: 2003-11-01
• Completion: 2004-02-01
• First posted: 2003-12-24
• Last updated: 2006-03-08

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States