Article

The wrist-driven flexor hinge orthosis (WDFHO) is a device used to restore hand
function in persons with tetraplegic spinal cord injury by furnishing three-point
prehension. We assessed the effectiveness and biomechanical properties of the
WDFHO in 24 persons with cervical 6 or 7 tetraplegia who have severely impaired
hand function. This study introduces a mechanical operating model to assess the
efficiency of the WDFHO. Experimental results showed that pinch force increased
significantly (p < 0.001) after using the WDFHO and was found to positively
correlate with the strength of wrist extensor muscles (r = 0.41, p < 0.001).
However, when the strength of the wrist extensors acting on the WDFHO was
greater, the reciprocal wrist and finger motion that generates three-point
prehension was less effective (r = 0.79, p < 0.001). Reliable and valid
biomechanical evaluation of the WDFHO could improve our understanding of its
biomechanics.

Langue : ANGLAIS