International Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Open Access
ISSN: 2329-9096
ISSN: 2329-9096
Francois Cabana
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke,
Sherbrooke, Quebec
Canada
Research Article
Effects of Long (Above-Elbow) Upper Limb Immobilization on Simulated
Driving Performance: An Experimental Pilot Study
Author(s): Francois Cabana, Marie-Victoria Dorimain, Mathieu Hamel, Vincent Décarie, Karina Lebel and Hélène CorriveauFrancois Cabana, Marie-Victoria Dorimain, Mathieu Hamel, Vincent Décarie, Karina Lebel and Hélène Corriveau
Background: Driving a motor vehicle is essentially incompatible with a limb immobilization according to the Quebec road safety code. The incapacity to drive due to an upper limb immobilization has an important potential socio-economic effect for patients, yet there is no consensus on the impact of upper limb immobilization on driving safety. Materials and Methods: Our study aimed to characterise the effects of long upper limb immobilization on simulated driving. A sample of 12 healthy participants tested the effect of three conditions (without immobilization and immobilization of the left or right upper limb) on three independent tasks on a driving simulator: 1) maximal range of movement (ROM); 2) angular deviation and precision; and 3) impact of the immobilization during on-road simulated driving. Participants were also tested for grip strength and completed a questionnaire on percei.. View More»
DOI:
10.4172/2329-9096.1000377