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Welcome to the Adapted Crutch Project Home Page!

The Need for Adapted Crutches

Problem Statement

Our team was given the task of designing and prototyping a device that supports the body and enables locomotion, but reduces the harmful forces that are observed at the wrists and shoulders while using traditional crutches.  In order to perform this task we have researched traditional crutches including current crutch designs and patents.  Through this research we have determined that a new device is needed.  Our team has also determined that the new device will be designed with patients who suffer from chronic disabilities in mind.  These target users will have disabilities such as cerebral palsy and spinal cord injuries which limit their lower extremity function but have functional movement in their upper extremities.  The purpose of this project is to create a device which meets the needs of our patient population and reduces forces observed at the wrists and shoulders seen during the use of traditional crutches.