Abstract
The aim of this research project is to study patients with elbow instability and design a brace that will help with the injury. The idea for this research project was presented by one of the research partners who has suffered from elbow instability for 10 years. Elbow instability is a rare condition that is mostly unspoken about. Many live with this condition without knowing it exists or simply ignoring it. But the effects of this injury are painful and permanent, making it harder to perform daily tasks using the arm. This research will provide data for a possible medical device to help reduce forces on the elbow joint and help reduce pain from elbow instability. To better analyze data for this injury, the elbow joint must be placed under a force test. Two participants volunteered to perform the test by lifting a series of weights. Data for the Electromyograms (EMG) was then collected using only the Trigno Wireless Biofeedback System, placed above the humerus near elbow joint where the injury is most common. Another aspect of this research was to better understand the popping of the elbow joint. A 3D model of the elbow joint was then printed and further analyzed. All gathered data and analytics are used to study how a medical brace could possibly help with patients’ elbow instability. The final goal for this research will be to design and create a brace that will alleviate pain caused by elbow instability in the patient. The brace will allow users to endure repeated popping of the elbow joint while muscles are contracted and relaxed.
