Date of Award

2016

Publication Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

M.H.K.

Department

Kinesiology

Supervisor

Andrews, David

Rights

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the relative contribution of the forearm soft tissues (skin and adipose, muscle, interosseous membrane) to shock attenuation in human cadaver specimens following simulated forward falls. Peak acceleration decreased significantly as the shock wave travelled from distal radius (42.8 (19.0) g) to proximal ulna (12.3 (4.3) g) in intact human forearm specimens (n=9). Shock attenuation through the forearm decreased non-significantly compared to fully intact specimens when the soft tissues were sequentially removed (skin and adipose: 8.9%; muscle: 7.5%) and when the interosseous membrane was cut (21.9%). These results could help advance wobbling mass biomechanical models to study the upper extremity impact response of humans following forward falls. In doing so, our understanding of the injury mechanisms associated with impact-induced upper extremity injuries may be improved and strategies to reduce the number and severity of forward fall injuries may be realized.

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