Kinematic Evaluation of Terminal Devices for Kayaking With Upper Extremity Amputation
By Highsmith, M. Jason, DPT, CP, FAAOP; Carey, Stephanie L, MS; Koelsch, Kip W., MA; Lusk, Craig P., PhD; Maitland, Murray E., PT, PhD; Journal of Prosthetics & Orthotics, Vol. 19, No. 3, pp. 84-90Publication Date: July 2007
Study conducted to evaluate the average kinematic motion of kayak paddling by two expert kayakers under three conditions: (1) no prosthesis, (2) pseudo-prosthesis with the TRS Kayak Hand and with the TRS Hammerhead Kayak Hand, and (3) pseudo-prosthesis with the USF Kayak Hand. The TRS Kayak Hand utilizes an active, body-powered voluntary closing mechanism to grasp a kayak paddle. Voluntary closing terminal device require constant force in order to maintain the grasp, though the TRS devices can be mechanically fixed in a closed position in order to eliminate the need to maintain force. The Hammerhead Kayak Hand was designed with a high-friction grip surface and a diameter larger than a standard paddle. It allows the user to redirect effort from the task of gripping the object to actually enjoying the task at hand. The results indicated that the TRS devices yielded more sliding, as the user had to use the uninvolved hand in order to maintain paddling position. This effort could yield a certain amount of stress on the user. The TRS was reported to be easier to apply to the paddle, and more forgiving of technical areas in form. All participants were successful under all conditions. Implications for future research are discussed.
Published by: Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins (Website:http://www.lww.com)
