Biomechanical model for evaluation of pediatric upper extremity joint dynamics during wheelchair mobility

摘要: Pediatric manual wheelchair users (MWU) require high joint demands on their upper extremity (UE) during mobility, leading them to be at risk of developing pain and pathology. Studies have examined UE biomechanics mobility in the adult population; however, current methods for evaluating dynamics pediatric MWU are limited. An inverse model is proposed characterize three-dimensional kinematics kinetics using a SmartWheel instrumented handrim system. The bilateral comprises thorax, clavicle, scapula, arm, forearm, hand segments includes sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular, glenohumeral, elbow wrist joints. A single 17 year-old male with C7 spinal cord injury (SCI) was evaluated while propelling his across 15-meter walkway. subject exhibited extension angles up 60°, large ranges motion peak glenohumeral forces 10% body weight. Statistically significant asymmetry wrist, elbow, acromioclavicular joints detected by model. As demonstrated, custom may provide considerable quantitative insight into improve prescription, training, rehabilitation long-term care children orthopedic disabilities. Further research warranted evaluate larger population SCI investigate correlations pain, function transitional changes adulthood.