Comparative study on the wrist positions during raise maneuver and their effect on hand function in individuals with paraplegia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the appropriate wrist position in individuals with high-level paraplegia during the RAISE (relief of anatomical ischial skin embarrassment) maneuver.

METHOD: Thirty individuals with high-level paraplegia were randomly selected; 15 individuals performed RAISE maneuver with extended wrist and 15 with neutral wrist. All the subjects who were at least 1 year post spinal cord injury were screened for positive carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. All the subjects were allowed to participate in a trial of the Jebsen-Taylor Test of Hand Function to familiarize them with the test. Hand function was measured using the Jebsen-Taylor test.

RESULTS: During the RAISE maneuver, individuals with paraplegia weight bearing on their hands with wrists in the neutral position showed better hand function (P < .001) when compared to those weight bearing with their wrists in extension.

CONCLUSION: Weight bearing with the wrist in neutral position is advisable for paraplegics to prevent the deterioration in hand function due to carpal tunnel syndrome.