Clinical Trial: Protective Brace to Prevent Hand and Arm Injuries
Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional
Official Title: Shock Absorbing Brace for Study of Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders
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 Summary:
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.
Sponsor: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Current Primary Outcome:
Original Primary Outcome:
Current Secondary Outcome:
Original Secondary Outcome:
Information By: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Dates:
Date Received: December 23, 2003
Date Started: November 2003
Date Completion: February 2004
Last Updated: March 6, 2006
Last Verified: March 2006
