Faculty Collaboration Database

A biomechanical analysis of upper extremity kinetics in children with cerebral palsy using anterior and posterior walkers. Gait Posture 2009 Oct;30(3):364-9

Date

07/21/2009

Pubmed ID

19616952

DOI

10.1016/j.gaitpost.2009.06.012

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-68349144586 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   21 Citations

Abstract

Upper extremity (UE) joint kinetics during aided ambulation is an area of research that is not well characterized in the current literature. Biped UE joints are not anatomically designed to be weight bearing, therefore it is important to quantify UE kinetics during assisted gait. This will help to better understand the biomechanical implications of UE weight bearing, and enable physicians to prescribe more effective methods for treatment and therapy, perhaps minimizing excessive loads and torques. To address this challenge, an UE model that incorporates both kinematics and kinetics has been developed for use with walkers instrumented with load cells. In this study, the UE joint kinetics are calculated for 10 children with cerebral palsy using both anterior and posterior walkers. Three-dimensional joint reaction forces and moments are fully characterized for the wrist, elbow, and shoulder (glenohumeral) joints for both walker types. Statistical analysis methods are used to quantify the differences in forces or moments between the two walker types. Comparisons showed no significant differences in kinetic joint parameters between walker types. Results from a power analysis of the current data are provided which may be useful for planning longer term clinical studies. If risk factors for UE joint pathology can be identified early, perhaps a change in gait training routine, walker prescription, or walker design could prevent further harm.

Author List

Konop KA, Strifling KM, Wang M, Cao K, Schwab JP, Eastwood D, Jackson S, Ackman JD, Harris GF

Authors

Gerald Harris PhD Director in the Orthopaedic Research Engineering Center (OREC) department at Marquette University
Jeffrey P. Schwab MD Adjunct Professor in the Orthopaedic Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Mei Wang PhD Associate Professor in the Orthopaedic Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Biomechanical Phenomena
Cerebral Palsy
Child
Female
Humans
Male
Upper Extremity
Walkers