A dynamic model of the upper extremities for quantitative assessment of Lofstrand crutch-assisted gait. Conf Proc IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc 2006;2006:1525-8
Date
10/20/2007Pubmed ID
17945651DOI
10.1109/IEMBS.2006.260646Scopus ID
2-s2.0-34047097951 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 1 CitationAbstract
Appropriate models for quantitative evaluation of upper extremity dynamics in children with myelomeningocele are limited. Therefore, a three-dimensional (3D) biomechanical model of the upper extremities was developed for quantification during Lofstrand crutch-assisted gait in children with myelomeningocele. The model accurately tracks the joint angles of the trunk, shoulders, elbows, wrists, and crutches. Lofstrand crutches are instrumented with six-axis load cells to obtain force and moment components. The model is applied while performing crutch-assisted ambulatory patterns (alternate gait and swing-through gait). Analysis indicates that the model is suitable for quantifying upper extremity motion during crutch-assisted gait. This model has been designed for dynamic assessment of ambulatory patterns (upper and lower extremities) that present with pediatric myelomeningocele. It is hoped that the study findings will prove useful through advances in treatment monitoring, crutch prescription and therapeutic planning.
Author List
Slavens BA, Sturm PF, Wang M, 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
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
Biomechanical PhenomenaChild
Crutches
Female
Gait Disorders, Neurologic
Humans
Male
Meningomyelocele
Models, Biological
Movement
Physical Examination
Therapy, Computer-Assisted
Treatment Outcome
Upper Extremity
