We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
The biomechanics of swing-through gait in lower-limb amputees: A comparison of the SideStix sports forearm crutch versus standard crutch designs.
- Authors
Manocha, Ranita H.; MacGillivray, Megan K.; Sawatzky, Bonita J.
- Abstract
Overuse injuries affecting the shoulder, elbow and wrist are prevalent amongst forearm crutch users. The SideStix™ sports forearm crutch is designed to reduce the physical impact of crutch walking, but this has yet to be validated experimentally. This crutch features a spring-like urethane polymer in the shaft and a ball-and-socket joint in the foot. We aimed to compare the biomechanics of swing-through gait in amputees using this sports crutch versus a traditional non-dynamic forearm crutch. As a result of the aforementioned modifications in the SideStix™ crutch, we hypothesized that this crutch would: a) reduce peak elbow extension; b) decrease peak wrist extension; c) decrease peak ground reaction force; d) increase propulsive force; and e) decrease braking force. Phase I of our study aimed to develop a biomechanical model and protocol to analyze upper extremity kinematics and kinetics with forearm crutch use. Our model employed an optical tracking system and force plates to quantify joint angles and crutch ground reaction forces during swing-through gait for a 25-year-old able-bodied female with no previous forearm crutch experience. Data from 5 trials for a single crutch type were filtered, averaged, and processed for each 1% of crutch stance phase using custom Matlab™ programs. Phase I demonstrated that SideStix™ crutches decreased the peak braking and propulsive forces, when compared to standard forearm crutches. This is potentially beneficial as loading in these directions threatens shoulder integrity. The SideStix™ also decreased elbow extension, which could prevent ulnar nerve compression. These findings demonstrated the model's potential effectiveness in the characterization of swing-through crutch gait. As a result, the model and protocol developed in Phase I will be applied to a wider sample of ten individuals with lower-limb amputations during Phase II of our research. The outcome of Phase II will improve our understanding of the biomechanics of swing-through gait in a clinical population and may demonstrate key opportunities for improving crutch design to reduce injury.
- Subjects
BIOMECHANICS; FOREARM; CRUTCHES; OVERUSE injuries; BODY movement
- Publication
UBC Medical Journal, 2011, Vol 2, Issue 2, p36
- ISSN
1920-7425
- Publication type
Abstract