The Bike Buddy
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Combating Health and Exercise Barriers for Quadriplegic Individuals
Salma Abdelghaffar
Kira White
Lily Baker
ABOUT US
We're a group of dedicated and passionate students at McMaster University, currently enrolled in level II of the Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences program. The core of this program focuses on using engineering design processes to address and develop medical solutions. In our most recent project, we devoted our time and effort to design gloves that combat barriers quadriplegic clients face when utilizing workout machines with handles.
THIS PROJECT WAS INSPIRED BY...
RYAN
Ryan is currently in his third year of Political Sciences at McMaster University. At the age of 17, he experienced an unpredicted spinal cord stroke while working out at the gym. This stroke resulted in partial paralysis from the neck down, with very limited motion in his hands and fingers.
After interviewing Ryan regarding the recurring challenges he faces with quadriplegia, his passion for working out on his arm bike 3 to 4 times a week was emphasized. His main complaint was being unable to efficiently benefit from his workouts, due to inexperienced volunteers at PACE (McMaster Physical Activity Centre of Excellence) using the improper method of tensor-bandaging his hands to the arm bike.
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Spasticity is a side effect of paralysis, which causes muscle contractions, stiffness, and uncontrollable movements. Our client, Ryan, struggles with the recurrence of muscle spasms, which are often onset due to lower temperatures and straining to reach for door accessibility buttons. He turns to his arm bike as a reliable method of reducing both the frequency and intensity of the spasms he experiences regularly.
Quadriplegia
Spinal cord stroke
Paralysis caused by illness or injury that results in the partial or total paralysis of limbs
End users
Individuals with disabilities thriving for a healthier, fuller lifestyle
Our product is aimed to develop a more supportive and welcoming environment in recreational and exercise facilities for individuals with disabilities. With The Bike Buddy's compact and simple design, users will feel more secure when working out; eliminating the need for constant adjustment or discomfort.