Preventive Design Intervention to address Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Module: User Research Methods

Report by: Adwita Singh
Semester: 2
202303010051
Faculty: Brajesh Sir, Neer Sir
Abstract

While our hands and wrists are essential for numerous activities, we often overlook the pain
they can cause. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) arises from repetitive tasks that that compress
the median nerve in the wrist's carpal tunnel. The prevalence of CTS has surged in recent
decades, due to the widespread adoption of everyday gadgets affecting approximately 3-6% of
the adult population. However, the syndrome's ambiguous symptoms can complicate diagnosis.
In purview to above, the field investigation revealed that users in their late 30s to mid-50s,
many of whom had been working for over a decade, experienced thumb, and middle finger pain.
To alleviate discomfort, they resorted to finger stretching, massage, and other exercises,
experiencing difficulties gripping objects properly. There is a growing need to address the
challenges related to CTS and enhance the overall experience through user centric design
intervention. The current study involves use of selective random sampling for field
investigation, and incorporating user research methods like expert interviews, and Kawakita
Jiro method for design insights.
Keywords: Carpal Tunnel, Physical Ergonomics, Kawakita Jiro method, Design Intervention
CURRENT STATUS:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) has seen a dramatic increase in the last few decades
parallel to the growth of everyday technology usage, affecting around 3-6% of the adult
population. Despite how common it is to have CTS; it can be quite challenging for
physicians to make a definite diagnosis due to different symptoms which could derail the
diagnosis. Even hard is to decide the right course of treatment that is the most effective
and considerate of patient’s needs. Thus arises the need for clear clinical direction.
Peak incidence years are between the ages of 30 to 55.
Women are three times more likely to be afflicted by CTS than male. Current
treatment options available are
 splinting of wrist,
 Anti-inflammatory medication such as pregabalin,
 surgery,
 changing of workspaces,
 exercise
CTS is an occupational hazard. Diagnosis can be done through the possible methods:
 Electrodiagnostic tests
 Ultrasound
 Nerve Conduction Study
 X-Ray

NEED FOR RESEARCH:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the most common entrapment neuropathy. It can be caused
by the activities integrated in daily lives. An opportunity was seen here to understand
how this syndrome is caused and how it can be prevented. By investigating the
determinants of the symptoms research can contributes to the development of better
diagnostic tools and treatment methods. Through research, the existing methods can be
evaluated with effectiveness. Success of treatment and reoccurrence of symptoms.

EXPECTED OUTCOME:

Primary outcome is to spread awareness about how daily rituals, involving wrist
activities if done in wrong ways can have severe impacts. Secondary outcome is
to avail facilities which help with the prevention of the patient getting afflicted
with CTS providing a relaxation/cool down service to the nerves which undergo
frequent trauma.
FIELD RESEARCH:
Research was held out in a corporate firm with a variety of designations. A total
of 60 responses were recorded out of which these are relevant to the focused
topic.

Name Mr. Amitabh Mr. Mr. Varinder Mr. Rajat Ms. Radha
Singh Rajendra Grover Chakraborty Sonawane

Gender Male Male Male Male Female

Designation Vice Manager Vice Sr. Vice Sr. Manager
President President President
Pain in wrist Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Pain in thumb and Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
three middle
fingers
Unable to grip No Yes No No No
objects
How do you relax Massage, Massage, Some other Finger Finger
your hand relax hands, relax hands, exercise stretching, stretching
finger finger acupressure
stretching stretching
How long have you 2-5 years 2-5 years Less than 2 More than 5 Less than 2
been experiencing years years years
pain
Describe the pain Tingling, Intense pain NA Mild Low but
felt Numbness, discomfort on frequently
muscular the thumb of
pain right hand

Fig 1
Fig 2
How long have your fingers been paining for?

Fig 3
Fig 4

Fig 5

Fig 6
BIBLIOGRAPHY:

National Library of Medicine

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9389835/

Johns Hopkins Medicine

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/carpal-tunnel-
syndrome

Joseph Kandel
https://neurologyoffice.com/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-a-guide-to-symptoms-solutions/

Eric H Williams
https://www.baltimoreperipheralnervepain.com/faqs/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-
sometimes-causes-neck-pain.cfm#:~:text=But%20the%20fact%20is%2C
%20carpal,literal%20pain%20in%20the%20neck.
NIAMS
https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/rheumatoid-arthritis#:~:text=Rheumatoid
%20arthritis%20(RA)%20is%20a,loss%20of%20function%20in%20joints

Google scholar

 Iftikhar, F., Anis, S., Asad, U. B., Riaz, S., Rafiq, M., & Naeem, S. (2022).
Development of wearable system for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Research Journal of Textile and Apparel.

 Karjalanen, T., Raatikainen, S., Jaatinen, K., & Lusa, V. (2022).

Update on efficacy of conservative treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Journal of clinical medicine, 11(4), 950.

Behance.net
https://www.behance.net/gallery/82645487/What-Is-Carpal-Tunnel-Syndrome
https://www.behance.net/gallery/96806135/Equipment-For-patients-with-
carpal-tunnel-syndrome