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Purpose: There is limited evidence to guide clinical reasoning processes regarding the selection of mobility-related assistive devices in the acute care setting. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there was a significant difference in pressure while grasping a standard cylindrical or an ergonomic cane handle during an ambulation activity, and to identify which handle the participants preferred. Methods: The Novel Pliance-X system was used to collect mean and maximum pressure applied to the 2 cane handle designs by the dominant hands of 43 unimpaired participants walking with a 2-point modified gait. Results: There was no statistically significant difference found between the average mean pressure applied using the standard cane versus the ergonomic cane. The average maximum pressure for the ergonomic cane was significantly greater than the average maximum pressure for the standard cane. Participants preferred the ergonomic cane handle. Conclusions: Pressure applied while grasping a cane handle is a complex biomechanical activity involving many factors. In this study no clear differences were found in average mean pressure when comparing the 2 cane handles used by individuals without impairment. Additional research is needed to assist therapists in selecting the most appropriate cane handle for specific patients.

To understand the mechanisms involved that lead to the high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in sonographers, this motion capture study evaluated upper extremity kinematics during kidney scans. The purpose of this study was to provide an evaluation of joint ranges of motion during scanning, which could be helpful in assessing risk of injury. A Vicon MX motion capture system recorded reflective marker positions while four sonographers scanned a volunteer’s kidneys. The results indicated that sonographers were scanning with their shoulders in flexion, abduction, and external rotation. The elbows were in flexion and the wrists in extension in all cases with the exception of portions of one scan. Shoulder abduction and wrist extension angles exceeded acceptable published limits. These results could be used to improve patient and sonographer positioning, equipment adjustability, and transducer design.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders affect a large percentage of diagnostic medical sonographers. Ultrasound transducer design has been identified as a major contributing factor to hand and wrist strains. The purpose of this study was to determine if the design of the ultrasound transducer affects the amount of pressure exerted by the hands of the sonographer to achieve a quality scan. The study also aimed to determine if the amount of pressure exerted on the transducer relates to the subjective pain level reported by the sonographer. The study found that the average maximum pressure and average force exerted was higher when scanning with a small transducer compared with a large transducer, and the thumb typically exerted a much greater pressure and force. Sonographers reported pain during the scan trials, as well as throughout their typical workdays, leisure pursuits, and daily activities.