Intense Wheelchair Propulsion May Increase Risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Ultrasonographic median nerve changes after a wheelchair sporting event. 09/09/09. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the acute median nerve response to intense wheelchair propulsion by using ultrasonography and to examine the relationship between carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) signs and symptoms and the acute median nerve response.  CONCLUSIONS: Manual wheelchair propulsion induces acute changes in median nerve characteristics that can be visualized by using ultrasound. Studying the acute median nerve response may be useful for optimizing various interventions, such as wheelchair set up or propulsion training, to decrease both acute and chronic median nerve damage and the likelihood of developing CTS. Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation via PubMed