Assistive Casting Using Muscle-Controlled Actuation

Wrist injuries like Distal Radius Fractures cause long term stiffness and lack of mobility in wrist due to improper splinting positions and hand exercises during recovery phase.

My scientific method involves custom printing a wrist brace and testing muscle sensor readings from different hand exercises and movements. My main analysis and data come from EMG monitoring and Haptic Feedback / Reminders

For my analysis, I compare grip strength, number of repetitions and improvement of range of motion over time. This data is then used to improve the design and usability of my brace prototype.

My goal was to improve wrist injury recovery outcomes by combining physical support with muscle monitoring and behavioural reminders. My brace prototype successfully achieved this by helping my tested patient a wider range of motion and more strength compared to using other medical braces in the market.

1. https://myoware.com/

2. https://medlineplus.gov/wristinjuriesanddisorders.html

3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563103/

4. https://www.tinkercad.com/

5. .https://www.orthomed.ca/bracessupports/wristhandthumb/wristhand/sprainstrainssrsltid=AfmBOopR5ZfcEmRf42_iqnEblLmRikaxZ8SqpWRbjGu9gJHY85sNzBir

6. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25252-splint

7. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/electromyography-emg

8. https://thespatialstudio.de/en/xr-glossary/haptic-feedback

David Maruyama - ALCA Science Fair Lead

Narjes Ben Ali - Tested patient with injured wrist

Myoware - Muscle Sensor Provider

Parallax - Electronic Parts