The Development On Forearm Crutches To Reduce Upper Limb Pressure Distribution Evaluated By EMG (Electromyography)

Teo, Xue Chee (2017) The Development On Forearm Crutches To Reduce Upper Limb Pressure Distribution Evaluated By EMG (Electromyography). Project Report. Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Melaka, Malaysia. (Submitted)

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Abstract

Crutch is a walking aid that mainly functions to maintain mobility of patients who injured or having surgery at lower extremities and it normally bring side effects such as hand uncomfortable to the patient.The main objective of this project is to analyse the pressure distribution on anatomical structure of the hand during ambulation with standard forearm crutch and additional handgrip forearm crutch.The additional ergonomic handgrip was designed and manufactured using vacuum casting,with silicone rubber as the raw material. Two experiments in ambulation on crutch,one with standard forearm crutches and one with additional handgrip forearm crutches were conducted with participation of six healthy adults,where two of them ever used forearm crutch because of injury at lower limb.The pressure distribution on upper limb when volunteer performing five 3-point gait were measured using wireless sensors of Trigno EMG System and EMG signal was acquired by laptop with Delsys EMGworks® Software.The results of the EMG test showed that the additional ergonomic handgrip reduce the pressure distribution or muscle activity on upper limb significantly.The ergonomic design at the handgrip such as finger groove,thumb groove,palm bulge and end guard increase the contact surface of inner hand with the handgrip,results in the lower energy needed to perform power grasp action.Another finding shows that the diameter of the ergonomic handgrip manufactured is suitable to volunteer within range from 18.5 to 20.5 cm of hand length.

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