Biomechanical Arms for Runner with No Arms
Problem statement
Participating in sports is an integral part of many teenagers’ high school experience. It has been reported by the National Center for Health Statistics that over 57% of highschoolers engage in organized sports annually [1]. Beyond the health benefits, sports can offer kids a community and sense of fulfillment. Born with a dramatically shortened left arm and no right arm, Caden, who is a junior at Arcadia High School in Wisconsin, is fully capable of peak athletic performance on his cross country team, but is restricted from competing due to his physical limitations. Without fully functional arms, Caden cannot compete per Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) rules in track and field relays since he does not possess the grip abilities to hold and pass the baton. Numerous prosthetics are sold today, but they are expensive and often ill-fitting and therefore uncomfortable for users. Caden has a previous prosthetic, but it is abrasive, heavy, and does not allow him to hold a baton, making it inefficient to use for running purposes. Caden is not the only prosthetic user with complaints around the discomfort of an artificial limb. The National Institute of Health (NIH) noted that between 40 and 60% of amputee patients are unsatisfied with their prostheses as a result of pain, sweating, and irritation from poor design [2]. Our team intends to design a lightweight and comfortable prosthetic device for Caden that allows him to participate in the relay and improves his momentum to aid in his athletic performance. Through developing a functioning prosthetic for Caden, we have the opportunity to provide other athletes with similar physical limitations the ability to participate in sports and reduce the disability disparity seen in athletics.
References
[1] E. Biddiss and T. Chau, ‘Upper limb prosthesis use and abandonment: A survey of the last 25 years,’ Prosthet Orthot Int, vol. 31, no. 3, pp. 236-257, Sep. 2007, doi: 10.1080/03093640600994581.
[2] E. C. Baars, E. Schrier, P. U. DIjkstra, and J. H. B. Geertzen, ‘Prosthesis satisfaction in lower limb amputees: A systematic review of associated factors and questionnaires,’ Medicine, vol. 97, no. 39, Sep. 2018, doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000012296.
Team members
Jamie Wolpert – leader
Caroline Gillis – communicator
Logan Fitzpatrick – accountant
Nicole Salata – admin
Client
Tim Braunschweig and Caden Dahl
Arcadia High School