Redesigning a prosthesis for a golfer with transhumeral amputation

[摘要] The objective of this thesis was to determine the motions needed in a prosthesis that would enable a transhumeral amputee professional golfer, Michael Gibson, to play golf with similar dynamics to those of a two-armed golfer. Although he plays golf well using only one arm, his swings tend to have less power and are less consistent than his two-armed colleagues. Significant user testing was carried out using various prototypes with Gibson. Analysis was performed with Gibson;;s feedback, video comparisons of swings, and data from both motion capture and flight analysis software. Not only were differences in the dynamics of Gibson;;s swing and a two-armed golfer;;s swing studied, but the root causes of the differences were understood. It was determined that a prosthesis that enables wrist cock, forearm rotation, and slight elbow compliance would increase Gibson;;s golf performance.

[发布机构] Massachusetts Institute of Technology