Use For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Arthritis, Tendinitis, hand fatigue, and other wrist and hand pain.
IBRAHIM FARID, M.D., Ph.D., FACPM, FACOEM*
Former Director of Occupational Medicine,
United States Postal Service, Western Region
MARCY BEST, RN, PHN, MSN, COHN-S
Occupational Health Nurse Administrator,
United States Postal Service, Sacramento Region
In the US Postal Service, large-scale use of computers and other activities involving repetitive use of the upper extremity has been contemporaneous with an increase in complaints referable to the upper extremity. Most of these involved pain or soft tissue discomfort and called for preventive and relief measures. These included improved ergonomics and provision of armrest in conjunction with keyboard use, and alternating or modifying work as appropriate. The Smart Glove’s unique design and flexibility presented an attractive nonrestrictive device to study in conjunction with the goals of reducing upper extremity complaints. The study was designed to test the hypothesis that the smart glove will provide support, and in the course of keying, relief without restricting the use of the hand. The study was conducted in a postal processing plant with a population of workers who each use computers for a total of 6 hours per day. Fifty-five minutes of each hour involved the use of keyboard followed by a 5 minute ergonomic or exercise break.
The population studied ranged in age from 18-60, which were stratified into three age groups of, 18-30, 31-45, and 46-60 years respectively (experimental group). Stratifying age groups in nearly equal numbers provide a more inclusive estimate of symptom prevalence and duration of exposure (dose). The validity of this assumption is based on stable employment of postal workers and national agreements that prohibit changing craft without loss of seniority.
Excluded from the study were workers with open claims of work related upper extremity injuries, those who had surgery for carpal tunnel release, and those who were currently treated for hand or wrist problems, or those with known medical conditions that confound the outcome of the study.
A control group of workers were selected to match for age the experimental groups.
Each worker completed an informed consent form describing the purpose and duration of the study (30 days) and explaining the potential benefit. A demographic survey form was also completed. This provided height and weight data, length of years of use of computers, status of work station ergonomics, level of comfort, use of armrest/wrist support, hobbies and a brief current medical conditions survey. Before the smart glove was used each worker completed a symptom survey inventory related to the use of computers. On a scale from 0-9 workers with 0 being no problem and 9 being a major problem, each worker was asked to score his sensation of being tired, sore, experiencing pain or weakness.
The survey responses were collected immediately upon completion of the forms. No copies of the responses were made available to the participants. The experimental group was randomly selected from the pool of each age group and provided with the Smart Glove fitted for size as recommended by IMAK Corporation. 39 participants were assigned to use the glove and 33 were controls. At the end of the study 30 days later, 35 of the 39 participants completed an exit survey of the symptom inventory. 16 out of the 33 controls completed the exit survey.
The mean scores for the experimental groups are shown below prior to and after the use of the Smart Glove:
| Tiredness: | 4.5 before | 3 after |
| Soreness: | 4.6 before | 2.3 after |
| Pain: | 3.9 before | 2 after |
| Weakness: | 3.4 before | 2.6 after |
The scores for the control group were as follows:
| Tiredness: | 4.1 before | 3.3 after |
| Soreness: | 3.4 before | 3 after |
| Pain: | 3.1 before | 2.9 after |
| Weakness: | 3.3 before | 2.9 after |
The results showed a significant difference in the scores of the experimental group particularly in soreness and pain sensation. The responses of the control group did not reflect significant changes except in tiredness.
The decrement in symptom inventory among the experimental participants is the more reliable measure of the effectiveness of the smart glove than comparison with the control group. Each person using the glove was his or her retrospective control. Symptom improvement in the control participants who did not use the glove can be explained by the sense of gratification for the concern shown by management.
In conclusion, this preliminary study is somewhat limited by the size of the sample and length of follow-up and the small number of respondents of the control group. More analysis of the data will assess the difference if any in the response of the participants by age, body mass index and duration of exposure. This assessment will assist to clarify the correlation of these variables with the use and effectiveness of the smart glove.
Nevertheless, the study has demonstrated the effectiveness of the Smart Glove experienced in relieving pain and soreness associated with repetitive use of the hand without hindering the tasks performed. The continued use of the glove following completion of the study period also demonstrates acceptance and appreciation for the
