Evaluation of a wrist orthosis on lofstrand crutch-assisted gait

Lofstrand, or forearm, crutches are a common assistive mobility device for those with functional impairments. However, repeated loading of the wrist and palmar region and continual hyperextension of the wrist during Lofstrand crutch usage may cause wrist strain, pain, and secondary injuries such as...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in2016 38th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC) Vol. 2016; pp. 5042 - 5045
Main Authors Farooq, Deen, Jahanian, Omid, Slavens, Brooke A., Hsiao-Wecksler, Elizabeth T.
Format Conference Proceeding Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States IEEE 01.08.2016
Subjects
Adolescent
Adult
Arrays
Biomechanical Phenomena
Crutches
Female
Force
Forearm - physiopathology
Gait - physiology
Hand - physiopathology
Humans
Kinematics
Loading
Male
Muscle, Skeletal - physiopathology
Orthotic Devices - adverse effects
Pain
Pressure
Software
Wrist
Wrist - physiopathology
Wrist Joint - physiopathology
Young Adult
Online AccessGet full text
ISSN1557-170X
DOI10.1109/EMBC.2016.7591860

Cover

More Information
Summary:Lofstrand, or forearm, crutches are a common assistive mobility device for those with functional impairments. However, repeated loading of the wrist and palmar region and continual hyperextension of the wrist during Lofstrand crutch usage may cause wrist strain, pain, and secondary injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. In order to reduce risk of injury, a novel wrist orthosis was developed with the intent of improving wrist posture and reducing/redirecting palmar loads from the carpal tunnel region to the adductor pollicis area. Dominant-hand palmar loads and wrist extension angles of 10 healthy, able-bodied subjects were measured during swing-through Lofstrand crutch-assisted gait to demonstrate the orthosis effectiveness. Each subject performed 10 trials each with and without the orthosis. An enhanced understanding of the effects of the wrist orthosis on kinematics and palmar loading was gained through this study. Results indicated a significant decrease in maximum palmar force, contact area, and wrist extension when using the orthosis. Palmar loads were observed to be redirected toward the adductor pollicis when using an orthosis during Lofstrand crutch-assisted gait. Ultimately, this device was effective in redistributing palmar loads with the potential to reduce pain and risk of carpal tunnel syndrome in long-term Lofstrand crutch users.
ISSN:1557-170X
DOI:10.1109/EMBC.2016.7591860