School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, & Health Systems

Alison Kane

School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, & Health Systems

Biomedical Engineering

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Joseph Sarver

Biomedical Engineering

Revision and Optimization of Shoulder Torque and Range of Motion (STROM) Device for Future Use in Longitudinal Study

Medical professionals use shoulder stiffness to diagnose injury or document progress in overhead athletes, neurological patients, or those with orthopedic injury. Current methods of shoulder stiffness evaluation rely on range of motion data and leave medical professionals unable to determine if stiffness changes independently of range of motion. The Shoulder Torque and Range of Motion (STROM) device, developed by Dr. Joseph Sarver, compares angular displacement and torque through shoulder internal and external range of motion, producing a graph where the slope is stiffness. A previous version was capable of detecting small stiffness changes when range of motion remained consistent, between male and female shoulders, and before and after exercise. Mechanically, the previous device was limited in terms of size, weight, stability, and functionality. The newest revision of the device was improved through reduced size and weight, and increased stability and overall functionality. The improvements, as well as newly upgraded software, provide opportunity for use in future longitudinal study of overhead athletes since it is the first device of its kind that can be transported to the site of athletic activity.