Abstract
The human arm is an architectural masterpiece. It has seamless versatility between fine-tuned motion and intense power distribution, even in perplexing orientations. Our arms hold much credit for our species’ survival through task performance and self-expression–a strong differentiator in what uniquely defines us as human. Arm health is modularly explored by a technical project focused on post-stroke rehabilitation and an STS analysis of baseball’s “velocity culture” that is decimating pitcher elbow health. With this indirect connection, a common theme emerges: the human arm is not an artificial machine and its longevity depends on respecting inextensible, biological limits.
For Dr. Sun’s Wearable Robotics capstone team, our group was tasked with fabricating a 4-DOF soft robotic arm exoskeleton assisting with post-stroke range of motion therapy. With research indicating that shoulder motion devices being more developed, our group fabricated an exoskeleton assisting elbow and wrist actuation–relatively neglected motions. Driven by cables, motors, and linear actuators with a portable battery back, this design prioritizes easy assembly, comfort, and sleekness. These advantages are meant to empower users to shift rehabilitation from crowded and expensive stroke therapy centers to wherever most convenient. The opportunity for immediate therapy this device provides is imperative for maximizing recovery, given neural degeneration compounds with inactivity. To be monitored by accelerometers and EMG sensors, a PID control algorithm with kill switches will ensure safety by facilitating slow therapeutic motions within regulated bounds.
My STS research investigates the 270% rise in Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) reconstruction surgeries among pitchers in the MLB from 2010 to 2024 (Adler, 2024). Through incentivizing supernatural throwing speeds at the expense of elbow health, a “velocity culture” has formed that is ego reinforced, recruiter encouraged, and financially incentivized. This environment renders the human arm to be treated as a disposable asset by pitchers of all ages. An MLB recent decade case study that overlaps pitching practices and game data further ascertains the relevance of these practices in contributing to ligament injury. After this issue is precisely established, Actor Network Theory (ANT) analysis will showcase the interactions between higher level parties–such as increased competition pools, team ownership, scouting, training equipment and practices, and fanbase engagement–to explore why baseball players of all ages are trapped in this arm-damaging recruitment game. The holistic system concept provided from this ANT analysis informs the investigation of possible personal and MLB organization policies that can mitigate future arm injuries across all baseball levels.
In unison, these projects bolster the capability of engineering and data analysis in supporting the human body. The soft robotic exoskeleton offers technical assistance to post-stroke victims with elbow and wrist recovery while a study of baseball pitching injuries instills caution regarding social systems that ignore biological limits. Both topics push for sustainable physical development by designing systems valuing a person’s future as much as their current performance.
Notes
School of Engineering and Applied Science
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Technical Advisor: Sarah Sun
STS Advisor: Sean Murray
Technical Team Members: Aidan Mermagen, Andrew Wittman, Hannah Tse, Juan Gomez, Katherine Page, Madelyn Tubbs, Ryan Murray, Sam Moran, Zoё Benton
