Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome (“CTS”) are provided. Pressure on the median nerve at the wrist can lead to decreased tactile sensitivity in the fingertips. People with CTS may often experience numbness, tingling, and decreased sensitivity in their finger tips. Compared to a control group, subjects symptomatic of CTS had a greater mean shift (decrease) in tactile sensitivity than the control group when exposed to certain provocations. These provocations include wrist flexion, direct pressure on the transverse carpal ligament area of the wrist, and tendon loading. Additionally, the effects of slight venous occlusion in the forearm were studied. There is an increase in threshold during the recovery period after each provocation. Diagnosis of CTS is provided through monitoring and analysis, preferably with a computer in real-time, of subject's responses to these provocations.

Abstract: A therapeutic system particularly suited for strengthening the hip extensor muscles of a user is described. The vehicle combines the therapeutic benefits of conditioning the hip extensor muscles with the enjoyable activity of propelling oneself on a wheeled vehicle. A frame is provided following the general pattern of a tricycle with one steerable wheel and a pair of driving wheels. A seat, a back rest, and at least one strap for holding the user in position on the seat and the back rest are also provided. These user support structures securely hold the user in the proper operating position, even when the user has less than normal muscular control and strength, such as with children with cerebral palsy. Structures are included for receiving at least a portion of the user's leg between the user's knee and the user's hip and for transmitting the extension motion of the user's hips into the rotational movement of the pair of driving wheels.

Abstract: A therapeutic wheeled vehicle particularly suited for strengthening the hip extensor muscles of a user is described. The vehicle combines the therapeutic benefits of conditioning the hip extensor muscles with the enjoyable activity of propelling oneself on a wheeled vehicle. A frame is provided following the general pattern of a tricycle with one steerable wheel and a pair of driving wheels. A seat, a back rest, and at least one strap for holding the user in position on the seat and the back rest are also provided. These user support structures securely hold the user in the proper operating position, even when the user has less than normal muscular control and strength, such as with children with cerebral palsy. Structures are included for receiving at least a portion of the user's leg between the user's knee and the user's hip and for transmitting the extension motion of the user's hips into the rotational movement of the pair of driving wheels.