The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between addiction to online games and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in college students. A total of 377 (205 male and 172 female) college students completed an online game addiction scale, a Symptom Severity Scale (SSS), and a Function Status Scale (FSS) for CTS. It was found that five (1.3%) students were diagnosed with an online game addiction, 74 (19.6%) students were diagnosed with a pre-addiction to online games, and 298 (79.0%) students were diagnosed as being average users. The pre-addiction group had significantly higher scores on the SSS than did the average user group (p<.05). The average user group scored significantly lower than did the online game addiction group (p<.05). Symptoms of wrist pain and hand numbness in the daytime were common in the addiction group. There were statistically significant but poor positive relationships between the online game addiction scale and the SSS (r=.312, p<.01), and between the online game addiction scale and the FSS (r=.149, p<.01). The information about online game addiction and CTS identified in this study could contribute to the prevention of online game addiction and CTS in college students.

Individuals who propel wheelchairs have a high prevalence of upper extremity injuries (i.e., carpal tunnel syndrome, elbow/shoulder tendonitis, impingement syndrome). Musculoskeletal injuries can result from overuse or incorrect use of manual wheelchairs, and can hinder rehabilitation efforts. To better understand the mechanisms of upper extremity injuries, this study investigates the motion of the wrist during wheelchair propulsion. This study also examines changes in the variables that occur with fatiguing wheelchair propulsion to determine how the time parameters of wheelchair propulsion and the state of fatigue influence the risk of injury. A two dimensional (2-D) analysis of wrist movement during the wheelchair stroke was performed. Twenty subjects propelled a wheelchair handrim on a motor-driven treadmill at two different velocities (50, 70 m/min). The results of this study were as follows; The difference in time parameters of wheelchair propulsion (cadence, cycle time, push time, recovery time, and PSP ratio) at two different velocities was statistically significant. The wrist kinematic characteristics had statistically significant differences at two different velocities, but wrist radial deviation and elbow flexion/extension had no statistically significant differences. There were statistically significant differences in relation to fatigue in the time parameter of wheelchair propulsion (70 m/min) between initial 1 minute and final 1 minute. The wrist kinematic characteristics between the initial 1 minute and final 1 minute in relation to fatigue had statistically significant differences but the wrist flexion-extension (50 m/min) had no statistically significant differences. According to the results, the risk of musculoskeletal injuries is increased by fatigue from wheelchair propulsion. To prevent musculoskeletal injuries, wheelchair users should train in a muscle endurance program and consider wearing a splinting/grove. Moreover, wheelchair users need education on propulsion posture, suitable joint position, and proper recovery patterns of propulsion.

The objectives of this study was to investiage the effects of sitting posture on carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) continues to be one of the most widely publicized maladies of the cumulative trauma disorder. Many studies have reported a positive association between CTS and highly repetitive work, high force, and poor posture. High force and repetitive work have especially been associated with CTS, but the evidence for work being a primary cause of CTS is strongest when these factors are combined. In addition to carpal tunnel syndrome, hand, wrist, and other disorders are attributed to these work-related movements. Such disorders are referred to as repetitive stress injuries, cumulative trauma disorder, overuse syndromes, and chronic upper limb pain syndrome. Incorrect posture also may play a role in the development of CTS in people who work at a computer and other types of keyboards. The tendency to roll the shoulders forward, round the lower back, and thrust the chin forward can shorten the neck and shoulder muscles, compressing nerves in the neck. This, in turn, can affect the wrist, fingers, and hand. The treatment and prevention of carpal tunnel syndrome continue to be approached with a segmental view of the human body. For example, the most common ergonomic solution for carpal tunnel syndrome associated with keyboard use is to keep the wrists in a neutral position by using a wrist rest in front of the keyboard and good sitting posture.