Changes in the pressure distribution by wrist angle and hand position in a wrist splint

Abstract

The study was conducted to provide basic data to develop a system that distributes pressure over a broader area by measuring and analyzing pressures in various wrist angles and hand positions while wearing a wrist splint. With 0, 15, 30, and 45 degrees of wrist extension, full-finger extension and finger flexion, pressure distribution changes were measured three times. Average peak pressure was analyzed and mean value picture (MVP) in zones 3–5 was calculated. A one-way Anova was conducted to identify changes in pressure distribution by wrist angle and hand position. Mean peak pressure values (kPa) in zones 3–5 changed depending on the wrist angle. Peak pressures (kPa) changed significantly in 15, 30, and 45 degrees wrist extension, depending on the hand position. Since pressure distributions differ depending the wrist angle and hand position (finger flexion), it is necessary to consider how pressure varies in each wrist position and to provide information on postures that should be avoided during tasks and occupational activities based on various wrist angles or hand positions.