Wrist Pain and Strength in Individuals With Paraplegia
By Rice, Ian M., MS, OT; Boninger, Michael L., MD; Souza, Aaron L., MS; Cooper, Rory A., PhD; RESNA 26th International Annual Conference 2003,Publication Date: 2003
Study conducted to determine if there was a relationship between pain and wrist strength in people who use manual wheelchairs, and if a pain/strength relationship was specific to extension/flexion and ulnar/radial deviation. Nineteen people with spinal cord injuries participated in the study. Nineteen control participants with no upper extremity pain were matched with the group with spinal cord injuries. Both groups completed Bio Dex strength testing bilaterally in wrist flexion/extension and wrist radial/ulnar deviation. Testing was performed for five repetitions at sixty degrees per second. In addition, prior to strength testing the participants completed the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Self-Report Questionnaire, which is a wrist symptom severity scale with 11 questions scored on a Likert scale. The groups were compared using a paired sample t-test. The results indicate clear differences in wrist strength, yet the difference was only noted when participants who were experiencing pain were eliminated from analysis. The authors contend that in order to obtain a valid measure of strength among people who use manual wheelchairs, it is essential to effectively measure pain. Implications for further research are discussed.
Published by: Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) (Website:http://www.resna.org)
