Koontz, et al. (2006). Investigation of the Performance of an Ergonomic Handrim as a Pain-Relieving Intervention for Manual Wheelchair Users. Assistive Technology, 18 (2), 123-143. Pittsburgh, PA.

Pain is a common secondary condition for many people with disabilities and can be a major barrier to independence and a satisfying quality of life. Assistive technology that is designed to decrease the risk of pain in daily activities can therefore be an important adaptation for people with disabilities. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) among manual wheelchair users has been reported in the research literature to range from 40% to 74%, and wheelchair propulsion has been shown to contribute to development and exacerbation (worsening) of CTS. In the journal Assistive Technology Koontz et al. (2006) investigated an ergonomic handrim as a means of reducing pain for manual wheelchair users.

For the full article, go to http://www.ncpad.org/468/2349/Focus~on~Secondary~Condition~Prevention~~~Use~of~Assistive
~ Technology~to~Reduce~Pain~for~Manual~Wheelchair~Users.