Citation

Cassell E, Ashby K, Gunatilaka A, Clapperton A. Inj. Prev. 2005; 11(4): 200-203.

Affiliation

Accident Research Centre, Monash University, Building 70, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia. erin.cassell@general.monash.edu.au

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/ip.2004.006411

PMID

16081745

PMCID

PMC1730250

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To test the potential of wrist guards to prevent wrist injury in recreational activities that require good grip strength and hand dexterity. METHODS: Forty eight children aged 5-8 years from one Melbourne school volunteered for tests chosen or devised following a review of the literature on the effects of orthoses use and hand function. RESULTS: Wrist guard wearing significantly degraded grip strength, bicycle steering, and performance on a monkey bar. Micro scooter steering was not significantly affected by their use. CONCLUSION: Wrist guards designed for skating are not recommended for bicycle riding and playing on climbing apparatus, and their suitability for scooter riding requires further investigation.