Faculty Collaboration Database

An upper extremity inverse dynamics model for pediatric Lofstrand crutch-assisted gait. J Biomech 2011 Jul 28;44(11):2162-7

Date

06/10/2011

Pubmed ID

21652035

DOI

10.1016/j.jbiomech.2011.05.012

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-79960269723 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   31 Citations

Abstract

The objective of this study was to develop an instrumented Lofstrand crutch system, which quantifies three-dimensional (3-D) upper extremity (UE) kinematics and kinetics using an inverse dynamics model. The model describes the dynamics of the shoulders, elbows, wrists, and crutches and is compliant with the International Society of Biomechanics (ISB) recommended standards. A custom designed Lofstrand crutch system with four, six-degree-of-freedom force transducers was implemented with the inverse dynamics model to obtain triaxial UE joint reaction forces and moments. The crutch system was validated statically and dynamically for accuracy of computing joint reaction forces and moments during gait. The root mean square (RMS) error of the system ranged from 0.84 to 5.20%. The system was demonstrated in children with diplegic cerebral palsy (CP), incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI), and type I osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). The greatest joint reaction forces were observed in the posterior direction of the wrist, while shoulder flexion moments were the greatest joint reaction moments. The subject with CP showed the highest forces and the subject with SCI demonstrated the highest moments. Dynamic quantification may help to elucidate UE joint demands in regard to pain and pathology in long-term assistive device users.

Author List

Slavens BA, Bhagchandani N, Wang M, Smith PA, Harris GF

Authors

Gerald Harris PhD Director in the Orthopaedic Research Engineering Center (OREC) department at Marquette University
Brooke Slavens BS,MS,PhD Professor in the Mechanical Engineering department at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
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

Arm
Biomechanical Phenomena
Cerebral Palsy
Child
Crutches
Gait
Humans
Joints
Kinetics
Models, Biological
Movement
Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Spinal Cord Injuries