Abstract
A traditional spinal orthosis in conjunction with a hip-knee-ankle-foot orthosis (HKAFO) improves posture in persons with paraplegia during standing and walking. It also limits the wearer's range of motion when worn during other activities, such as vehicle transfer or sitting and reaching for objects. In order to regain full torso flexibility the user would need to remove the spinal orthosis which can be arduous and time consuming. A Convertible Spinal Orthosis (CSO) that allows the user to switch between Locked rigid torso support and Unlocked free motion has been designed, fabricated and tested. It shows promise for increasing functionality, wear time and subject comfort. Analysis of movement has been performed with an able-bodied and a paraplegic subject wearing a rigid spinal orthosis, the CSO in both states, and without any bracing. Configuration state had the most impact on lateral bending. Mean values for the paraplegic subject of 27°, 38°, 48°, and 48° and for the able-bodied subject of 22°, 26°, 48°, and 45° were found for lateral bending of the upper torso relative to the thighs in theRigid,Locked,Unlocked, andNo-Bracestates, respectively.
Highlights
A hybrid neuroprosthesis (HNP), comprising both functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS) and a mechanical bracing system, has been developed with the aim of overcoming mobility and accessibility limitations inherent in paraplegia [10]
The HNP is designed to combine the power of FNS with the support of a bracing system
Measurements for the Torso and Orthosis segments are presented relative to the Thighs and not Ground, in order to depict how the device constrains the body, instead of how the body moves as a whole
Summary
A hybrid neuroprosthesis (HNP), comprising both functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS) and a mechanical bracing system, has been developed with the aim of overcoming mobility and accessibility limitations inherent in paraplegia [10]. Stimulation of paralyzed muscles can successfully propel the body forward, walking with FNS alone is characterized by excessive forward lean and upper extremity effort, as well as rapid fatigue from the sustained stimulation required to support body weight [12]. The HNP is designed to combine the power of FNS with the support of a bracing system. As an alternative to traditional bracing, the HNP uses a low-power control and actuation scheme to allow movement of the torso as well as the hips, knees, and ankles when not supporting body
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