Redesigning a prosthesis for a golfer with transhumeral amputation
Name
464241697-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
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53.38 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
97e6e3b73befb66c6d2e203619f3b973
Author(s)
Tsai, Helen
Advisor(s)
Daniel D. Frey.
Date Issued
2009
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
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.
Description
Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 2009.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 103-106).
Subjects
Mechanical Engineering.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering
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