Development of an Upper Limb Muscle Dynamometer for Rehabilitation of Nerve Injury Patients

This project seeks to refine a prototype device for measuring upper limb muscle strength in patients with spinal cord injuries. Clinicians currently rely on a combination of subjective measures and complicated functional tests to assess their patients. We have developed an initial prototype table-top, multi-joint upper limb muscle dynamometer (tool for measuring muscle power), in order to address the gap in the ability to quickly, reliably and objectively measure upper limb muscle strength and power. Our goals for further refinement of this prototype device are to: 1) improve validity and performance by upgrading the system’s current motor and sensing systems, 2) solicit feedback from patients and clinicians to improve usability, 3) undertake validation testing in the clinical setting. Achieving these three goals will improve how the assessment and rehabilitation of nerve injury patients is undertaken, which will in turn help to improve their rehabilitative outcomes and quality of life.

Faculty Supervisor:

Joshua W Giles;Mike Berger

Student:

Partner:

Rick Hansen Foundation

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Other services (except public administration); Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Victoria

Program: