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Forearm pressure distribution during ambulation with elbow crutches: a cross-sectional study

Fischer, Jonas and Nüesch, Corina and Göpfert, Beat and Mündermann, Annegret and Valderrabano, Victor and Hügle, Thomas. (2014) Forearm pressure distribution during ambulation with elbow crutches: a cross-sectional study. Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitation, 11 (61). pp. 1-9.

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Abstract

Increasing numbers of patients require permanent walking aids to maintain mobility. Current elbow crutches are not designed for long-term use, and overuse is often associated with hematoma formation and pain along the forearm. We therefore hypothesized that the highest pressures between the forearm and crutch cuff during walking and stance are located in the ulnar region and that the level of weight-bearing, forearm circumference and kinematic parameters influence peak pressure values and pressure distribution.; Ten healthy adults participated in a cross-sectional study. A pressure sensor array was attached to the forearm of each participant separating the forearm into four quadrants (lateral, ulnar, intermediate and medial). Measurements were taken during crutch gait and during partial and full weight-bearing stance. A three-dimensional motion analysis system with reflective markers attached to the subject's body and to the crutches was used to obtain kinematic data.; The mean pressure on the forearm during crutch gait was 37.5 kPa (SD 8.8 kPa). Highest mean pressure values were measured in the ulnar (41.0 kPa, SD 9.6 kPa) and intermediate (38.0 kPa, SD 9.0 kPa) quadrants. The center of pressure was mainly located in an oblique lamellar area in these two quadrants. With increasing weight-bearing on the crutches during stance, we observed a shift of the peak pressures towards the ulnar quadrant. The circumference of the forearm correlated with the peak pressure in the medial and intermediate quadrants during crutch gait (P < 0.05). Peak pressures on the forearm showed a trend towards correlation with crutch abduction, but no association with other kinematic parameters was detected.; The pressure load on the forearm during crutch-assisted gait is located predominantly over the ulna and may be linked to a range of secondary conditions caused by crutch use including hematoma formation and pain.
Faculties and Departments:03 Faculty of Medicine
03 Faculty of Medicine > Bereich Operative Fächer (Klinik) > Bewegungsapparat und Integument
03 Faculty of Medicine > Departement Klinische Forschung > Bereich Operative Fächer (Klinik) > Bewegungsapparat und Integument
03 Faculty of Medicine > Bereich Operative Fächer (Klinik) > Bewegungsapparat und Integument > Traumatologie / Orthopädie (Jakob)
03 Faculty of Medicine > Departement Klinische Forschung > Bereich Operative Fächer (Klinik) > Bewegungsapparat und Integument > Traumatologie / Orthopädie (Jakob)
03 Faculty of Medicine > Departement Biomedical Engineering
03 Faculty of Medicine > Departement Biomedical Engineering > Biomechanics and Biomaterials
UniBasel Contributors:Fischer, Jonas and Göpfert, Beat and Nüesch, Corina and Mündermann, Annegret
Item Type:Article, refereed
Article Subtype:Research Article
Publisher:BioMed Central
ISSN:1743-0003
Note:Publication type according to Uni Basel Research Database: Journal article
Language:English
Identification Number:
edoc DOI:
Last Modified:19 Jun 2019 10:19
Deposited On:19 Jun 2019 08:44

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