Upper extremity biomechanical model for evaluation of pediatric joint demands during wheelchair mobility

Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2012:2012:4788-91. doi: 10.1109/EMBC.2012.6347038.

Abstract

Current methods for evaluating upper extremity (UE) dynamics during pediatric wheelchair use are limited. We propose a new model to characterize UE joint kinematics and kinetics during pediatric wheelchair mobility. The bilateral model is comprised of the thorax, clavicle, scapula, upper arm, forearm, and hand segments. The modeled joints include: sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular, glenohumeral, elbow and wrist. The model is complete and is currently undergoing pilot studies for clinical application. Results may provide considerable quantitative insight into pediatric UE joint dynamics to improve wheelchair prescription, training and long term care of children with orthopaedic disabilities.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Computer Simulation
  • Computer-Aided Design*
  • Ergonomics / instrumentation
  • Humans
  • Joints / physiology*
  • Man-Machine Systems*
  • Models, Biological*
  • Needs Assessment
  • Pediatrics / instrumentation
  • Range of Motion, Articular / physiology*
  • Upper Extremity / physiology*
  • Wheelchairs*