Author(s)

Marilyn Mitchell¹, David I. Anderson²

¹Department of Kinesiology San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA, USA.
²Marian Wright Edelman Institute for the Study of Children, Youth, and Families, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA, USA.

Five participants with unilateral, upper extremity amputation were recruited from a convenience sample and participated in a supervised resistance training exercise program in their own local exercise facility using the Carter Cuff (Carter Medical Devices, LLC). The Carter Cuff is a relatively new assistive device that allows people with unilateral, upper extremity amputation and other disabilities or injuries of the hand to engage in resistance training exercises. Following a six weeks training period, an online survey was made available to the participants who provided demographic information and answered questions about their exercise habits and their satisfaction with the ease of use and effectiveness of the Carter Cuff as well as its impact on their lives. The results of the survey provided preliminary support for the effectiveness of the Carter Cuff and its positive effects on people with amputations. Though more quantitative data on physiological and psychological measures are needed, these preliminary findings have important implications for occupational therapy practice.

Amputation, Resistance Training, Assistive Device, Rehabilitation

Mitchell, M. and Anderson, D. (2017) The Carter Cuff: A Preliminary Assessment of Its Effectiveness in Enhancing Upper Body Strength in People with Unilateral Amputation and Other Disabilities. Open Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 5, 118-138. doi: 10.4236/ojtr.2017.54011.