The Role of Ergonomics in Enhancing Rehabilitation Outcomes in Hirayama Disease: A Case report

Dr. Nupoor Kulkarni, Aashirwad Mahajan, Ankita Yelikar, Sakshi Dupare, Rupinder Bhatti

Page No: 52-60

DOI: 10.5281/VEREDAS.2026/V16I9/06

Introduction : Hirayama disease (HD) is a rare, self-limiting cervical myelopathy characterized by progressive distal upper limb weakness and muscular atrophy, predominantly affecting young males which can significantly impact occupational and daily activities. This study was done to examine the effectiveness of a physiotherapy and ergonomic interventions in a patient with HD. Case Description: A 22-year-old male printing professional diagnosed with HD presented with progressive weakness of the left hand and forearm with recent involvement of the right hand, resulting in difficulty performing work-related tasks. Clinical examination revealed bilateral distal upper limb weakness and muscle wasting (left greater than right), and preserved sensation. Dynamic cervical MRI demonstrated cord thinning at C5–C7 with anterior displacement of the posterior dura during neck flexion. Intervention: The patient underwent a 6-week rehabilitation program consisting of faradic stimulation, pneumatic glove-assisted hand training, cervical and upper limb strengthening exercises, fine motor dexterity training, and individualized ergonomic modifications, including posture correction, workstation redesign, cervical collar use, adaptive writing aids, and education to avoid prolonged neck flexion.

Citations

APA: Dr. Nupoor Kulkarni, Aashirwad Mahajan, Ankita Yelikar, Sakshi Dupare, Rupinder Bhatti (2026). The Role of Ergonomics in Enhancing Rehabilitation Outcomes in Hirayama Disease: A Case report. DOI: 10.5281/VEREDAS.2026/V16I9/06

AMA: Dr. Nupoor Kulkarni, Aashirwad Mahajan, Ankita Yelikar, Sakshi Dupare, Rupinder Bhatti. The Role of Ergonomics in Enhancing Rehabilitation Outcomes in Hirayama Disease: A Case report. 2026. DOI: 10.5281/VEREDAS.2026/V16I9/06

Chicago: Dr. Nupoor Kulkarni, Aashirwad Mahajan, Ankita Yelikar, Sakshi Dupare, Rupinder Bhatti. "The Role of Ergonomics in Enhancing Rehabilitation Outcomes in Hirayama Disease: A Case report." Published 2026. DOI: 10.5281/VEREDAS.2026/V16I9/06

IEEE: Dr. Nupoor Kulkarni, Aashirwad Mahajan, Ankita Yelikar, Sakshi Dupare, Rupinder Bhatti, "The Role of Ergonomics in Enhancing Rehabilitation Outcomes in Hirayama Disease: A Case report," 2026, DOI: 10.5281/VEREDAS.2026/V16I9/06

ISNAD: Dr. Nupoor Kulkarni, Aashirwad Mahajan, Ankita Yelikar, Sakshi Dupare, Rupinder Bhatti. "The Role of Ergonomics in Enhancing Rehabilitation Outcomes in Hirayama Disease: A Case report." DOI: 10.5281/VEREDAS.2026/V16I9/06

MLA: Dr. Nupoor Kulkarni, Aashirwad Mahajan, Ankita Yelikar, Sakshi Dupare, Rupinder Bhatti. "The Role of Ergonomics in Enhancing Rehabilitation Outcomes in Hirayama Disease: A Case report." 2026, DOI: 10.5281/VEREDAS.2026/V16I9/06