Presenter
Brandon Daniels
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2025
Abstract
Globally, there are over one million spinal cord injuries (SCI) every year. Out of all trauma patients admitted to US hospitals in that time frame, 3.7% suffer from an SCI with the highest at-risk demographic being males aged 20 to 29. Low-cervical spinal injuries (C5 to C8) make up a large portion of these injuries, which can vastly affect motor control throughout the whole arm in addition to the total functionality of body control below the chest. These patients are wheelchair users and many live with limited control of their arms.
The Bear Claw addresses the daily challenges of gross motor control activities without relying on the digits. It is specifically designed to support a wheelchair user with pulling up their pants or reaching for and lifting a bag on the ground. This assistive grip device is a low-tech solution that combines a common wheelchair glove and an array of customizable hook attachments. The leather glove is worn with a Velcro strap that allows users to secure it around the wrist. Anchor points, integrated into an inside layer of fabric, are located on the lateral sides of the glove that allow a hook attachment to be easily locked in and removed with no fine motor control movements. Current designs on the grip allow greater independence for a user experiencing difficulties with fine motor control or limitations on their ability to reach. Customizable hooks enable a wide range of scoping and gripping capabilities personalizing the experience for every user.
Faculty Mentor
Nicole Urban, Ph.D.
Academic Discipline
College of Engineering & Design; College of Arts & Sciences
Repository Citation
Daniels, Brandon and Neville, Nathaniel, "Bear Claw – An Assistive Grip Device" (2025). Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium. 213.
https://scholarsarchive.jwu.edu/innov_symposium/213
