Protective Brace to Prevent Hand and Arm Injuries

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Cumulative Trauma Disorders; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Registration Number: NCT00074893
• Lead Sponsor: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)

Brief 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.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2003-11
• Study First Submitted: 2003-12-23
• Study First Submitted QC: 2003-12-23
• Study First Posted: 2003-12-24
• Study Completion: 2004-02
• Status Verified: 2006-03
• Last Update Submitted: 2006-03-06
• Last Update Posted: 2006-03-08

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 15

Inclusion Criteria

• Normal hand anatomy and full range of motion

Exclusion Criteria

• History of significant hand or wrist arthritis
• Open wounds
• Prior hand or wrist surgery
• Neuropathies
• Skin hypersensitivity
• Contact dermatitis
• Reflex sympathetic dystrophy

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

UCLA Hand Center; 🇺🇸 Los Angeles, California, United States