Effect of Squeegee Design on Carpal Tunnel Pressure

摘要

A multitask study was conducted in an effort to examine the relationship betweensqueegee handle designs and their potential impact on carpal tunnel syndrome and other cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs). The study group was composed of screen print workers. Two important factors in determining perceived confort and exertion during the hands on evaluation were handle shape and width. The bet performing handle made full contact with the fingers and the palmar surface of the hand with the hand in a somewhat open and relaxed position. The grip was also wider than the industry standard handle. There were 42 participants who had used padded handles; 60% indicated a marked decrease in hand fatigue and 55% indicated a marked decrease in hand pain. A mean carpal tunnel pressure value was calculated for each subject using each squeegee handle. There was a trend for the ergonomic handle designs to reduce carpal tunnel pressure relative to the industry standard design. The authors conclude that an ergonomically shaped squeegee handle with a relatively wide grip may increase confort and decrease CTDs.