Article

Upper extremity (UE) joint kinetics during aided ambulation is an area of
research that is not well characterized in the current literature. Biped UE
joints are not anatomically designed to be weight bearing, therefore it is
important to quantify UE kinetics during assisted gait. This will help to better
understand the biomechanical implications of UE weight bearing, and enable
physicians to prescribe more effective methods for treatment and therapy, perhaps
minimizing excessive loads and torques. To address this challenge, an UE model
that incorporates both kinematics and kinetics has been developed for use with
walkers instrumented with load cells. In this study, the UE joint kinetics are
calculated for 10 children with cerebral palsy using both anterior and posterior
walkers. Three-dimensional joint reaction forces and moments are fully
characterized for the wrist, elbow, and shoulder (glenohumeral) joints for both
walker types. Statistical analysis methods are used to quantify the differences
in forces or moments between the two walker types. Comparisons showed no
significant differences in kinetic joint parameters between walker types. Results
from a power analysis of the current data are provided which may be useful for
planning longer term clinical studies. If risk factors for UE joint pathology can
be identified early, perhaps a change in gait training routine, walker
prescription, or walker design could prevent further harm.

Langue : ANGLAIS