Affiliations: College of Health Professions, Cook-DeVos Center for
Health Sciences, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503,
USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: John R. Stevenson, PhD, PT, CEA,
Associate Professor of Physical Therapy, Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences,
301 Michigan St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA. Tel.: +1 616 331 2675; Fax:
+1 616 331 3350; E-mail: stevensj@gvsu.edu
Abstract: The purpose of this prospective case report was to evaluate the use
of a keyboard platform device that uses continuous passive motion (CPM) on
vascular flow to the hand for clerical employees who perform daily keyboarding
tasks. Subjects were two female volunteers, one symptomatic of carpal tunnel
syndrome (CTS), who were employed in clerical positions and perform daily
keyboarding tasks for most of their workday. Data collection consisted of
baseline and follow-up measurements at 6 weeks, including: 1) screening for
symptoms based on the Carpal Tunnel Function Disability Form, 2) evaluation
using standard physical therapy examination and assessment techniques,
including modified Semmes- Weinstein monofilament testing, 3) a typing
productivity test, and 4) Doppler ultrasound examination to quantify vascular
flow at the wrist. Results revealed that both subjects demonstrated an overall
increase in both radial and ulnar blood flow velocity with no decrement in
typing productivity. The symptomatic subject also demonstrated an overall
improvement of 10 wpm in the typing tests, a decrease in her disability score
and symptom severity, and improvement in function. Results suggest that use of
CPM as a non-intrusive ergonomic intervention may be used to treat, as well as
prevent, carpal tunnel-like symptoms in those who keyboard.
