Finite element analysis of the forearm crutch during reciprocal and swing-through gait - biomed 2009. Biomed Sci Instrum 2009;45:310-5
Date
04/17/2009Pubmed ID
19369781Abstract
A finite element analysis of a commercial forearm crutch for children during gait is presented. The geometric features of the crutch structure were acquired and modeled. The finite element model was created using shell elements based on the frame surfaces. Linear elastic material properties for aluminum alloy were utilized. Upper extremity kinetic data from reciprocal and swing-through gait patterns were applied to the model as boundary conditions and loads. Stress distributions during two gait patterns were determined. Stress distributions during swing-through gait were found to be statistically greater than those during reciprocal gait (p = 0.01). This work provides novel quantitative data to improve crutch design and stimulate further analyses of upper extremity (UE) joint loads during forearm crutch-assisted gait in children with spina bifida (myelomeningocele).
Author List
Slavens BA, Guan Y, Harris GFAuthors
Gerald Harris PhD Director in the Orthopaedic Research Engineering Center (OREC) department at Marquette UniversityBrooke Slavens BS,MS,PhD Professor in the Mechanical Engineering department at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
