Abstract: An ergonomic arm rest for a chair having a forward arm rest pad and a rear arm rest pad supported by a vertical support mechanism. The vertical support mechanism permits the vertical, horizontal and transverse adjustment of the location of the arm rest pads. The vertical support mechanism allows the position of the forward and rear arm rest pads to be reversed. The rear arm rest pad is attached to an extendable element which facilitates the displacement of the rear arm rest pad above and away from the forward arm rest pad. The forward arm rest pad is horizontally displaceable relative to the vertical support mechanism and may be angularly displaced.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes an adjustable column supporting a seat portion and a back. The back includes an upper portion vertically adjustable with respect to the seat portion. A headrest restraint system is positioned on the back upper portion. The headrest restraint system includes a position indicator configured to engage the nape of the neck of the user and side or lateral support portions. A mesh support extends from the headrest, and a mesh is connected between the upper back portion and the mesh support. A seat belt restraint system includes inboard and outboard shoulder belts and a lap belt anchored to the seat. The shoulder belts are anchored to the sides of the back and positioned to extend around the deltoid region of the shoulders of the user.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly includes a steering column, a tilt adjustment mechanism connected to the column for adjusting the angular position thereof and a steering wheel rotatably mounted on the column. The steering wheel includes a generally circular rim and a forearm, wrist and hand support portion joined to the rim. The support portion is configured to support the wrists and hands in a cocked up or neutral anatomical position to reduce or eliminate symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. The support portion defines a thumb cutout aperture. The user's thumbs and fingers can be wrapped around the steering wheel rim.

Abstract: A flexible splint for use in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome includes an elongated, flexible member having a palmar portion and an elongated proximal portion. The palmar portion has a curved sickle or hook shape and defines a thumb notch. The palmar portion is angled with respect to the proximal portion to position the hand in a cocked up or near normal anatomical position. The flexible member is configured to avoid contact with the volar surface of the wrist which overlies the carpal tunnel. Elastic straps, including hook and loop fasteners, attach the splint to the wrist and palm of the user.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in nerve conduction studies includes a fixture for supporting a reference electrode, a recording electrode, a cathode and an anode with the distance between the cathode and the recording electrode being preselected and fixed. The electrodes of the fixture are electrically connected to a nerve stimulator and a controller. A panel and display are connected to the controller along with a storage device and a keyboard input device. A ground pad including a ground electrode and a temperature sensor are connected to the controller. The controller causes an electrical pulse to be transmitted to the cathode. The distal latency and amplitude of the supramaximal stimulus response of the nerve being tested are determined and displayed.

Abstract: A carpal tunnel syndrome screening device for measuring the strength of or combined force vector generated by the intrinsic hand muscles innervated by the median nerve after is passes through the carpal tunnel includes a base defining a palm support or rest surface and a thumb guide surface. The surfaces are configured to position the thumb of the user for movement in a substantially vertical plane with the thumb positioned at an angle of approximately 45.degree. with respect to the index finger. The device further includes a thumb receiving cradle and a cradle support structure. A force transducer operatively connected to the cradle measures the force created by movement of the thumb. The device provides an objective indication of the presence of carpal tunnel syndrome.