ADAPTATION OF WUK-90 HIGH ALTITUDE PRESSURE SUITS FOR REHABILITATION PURPOSES

Abstract

Abstract: Integrating discoveries in military technology into civilian applications represents one of the most common combinations, since these include the technologies developed to, among other things, improve the bodily functions in extreme conditions. In addition, aviation technology is characterized by such parameters as lightness, ergonomics and durability. Adaptation of flight or space suits represents the application of solutions that in their original purpose were dedicated to enhance human capabilities under altered pressure and gravitational conditions. These suits, when properly adjusted, can be used in the rehabilitation of patients with neurological or orthopaedic deficits. The purpose of this publication is to show the most commonly adapted solutions based on HAP suits and space suits, as well as to demonstrate the process of adapting HAP (High Altitude Protection) suits of WUK 90 type (Type 90 High Altitude Pressure Suits) for therapy purposes. In rehabilitation applications, these suits are suitable for adaptation in therapy where the technical parameters of the devices allow to explore completely different therapeutic possibilities. Such devices, however, require adaptation to the needs of disabled people with orthopaedic injuries or mental disorders and specific conditions for rehabilitation, as was the case with the WUK suit, which after introducing technical modifications and adaptation solutions was given the name R-WUK (abbreviated from the Polish name “Rehabilitacyjny Wysokościowy Ubiór Kompensacyjny” (Rehabilitation High Altitude Pressure Suit).