Specific Range Of Motion Research Articles

Assistive Orthosis for Paralysis People Using 3d Printing Model

Abstract: The Monoplegia is a one type of paralysis. The Monoplegia patients do not do the regularElbow Extension and Flexion activities, because weakens muscle movements, mainly due to nervedamage. This orthosis is used to externally assist patients elbow extension and flexion movements.An elbow extension and flexion assist orthosis is automatic functioning system. When the patientis shaking the fingers, vibration sensor detects the vibration and the device is extending the hand by using Linear actuator and flexion is also done by a same procedure. The prototype is design in 3d printing model which was a make the design lightweight as much possible. Consider incorporating a user-friendly control interface that allows the patient to adjust the level ofassistance or control the device based on their comfort and needs. Implement safety features to prevent sudden or unintended movements that could cause discomfort or injury .Design the orthosis to be easily adjustable to accommodate different arm sizes and shapes. Allow for customization based on the individual's specific range of motion and strength. efficient and lightweight power source, considering the need for mobility and comfort. Optimize the battery lifeto ensure the device can be used throughout the day without frequent recharging. Ensure that the materials used in the 3D printing model are durable, hypoallergenic, and lightweight .Pay attentionto the ergonomic design to maximize comfort during prolonged use. Develop a comprehensive user training program to help patients become familiar with the device and optimize its use. Ensurethat the design complies with relevant medical device regulations and standards to guarantee safetyand efficacy. Collaborate with healthcare professionals, therapists, and end-users to gather feedback and make continuousimprovements to the design. Thus the prototype will help to recoveras soon as possible from the monoplegia condition.

Reducing the energy cost of running using a lightweight, low-profile elastic exosuit

BackgroundHuman beings can enhance their distance running performance with the help of assistive devices. Although several such devices are available, they are heavy and bulky, which limits their use in everyday activities. In this study, we developed a lightweight running assistive device with a low-profile design. The device applies a flexion moment to the hip according to the hip extension within a specific range of motion to assist running.MethodsA passive exosuit was fabricated using textile materials and elastic bands. The deformation of the suit was measured and compensated for in the design. The fabricated suit was tested on eight participants (age: 24.4 ± 3.8 y; height: 1.72 ± 0.05 m; weight: 74.5 ± 6.1 kg) who were instructed to run on a treadmill at a speed of 2.5 m/s. Through indirect calorimetry, the metabolic rate was measured for the no-suit condition and three band conditions. Variations in the spatiotemporal parameters were measured using a motion capture system and force-sensing resistors (FSRs).ResultsWhen using the fabricated device, seven out of the eight participants exhibited a reduced metabolic rate in at least one of the three band conditions. An average reduction of − 4.7 ± 1.4% (mean ± standard error of the mean (s.e.m.), two-sided paired t-test, p = 0.017) was achieved when using the best-fitting bands compared to the average of the two no-suit conditions. No statistically significant changes were observed in the spatiotemporal parameters, except for the stance duration in the medium assistance force condition.ConclusionsThe proposed passive exosuit, which has a low weight of 609 g and small extrusion of 2.5 cm from the body in standing posture, can reduce the metabolic rate during running. The proposed device can potentially be used every day owing to its low-profile design and low weight, thereby overcoming the limitations of existing portable devices targeting the hip joints.

Multi-DoF Force Characterization of Soft Actuators

Soft actuators provide highly adaptable actuator options for applications in wearable devices, grippers, and mobile robots due to their inherent compliance. However, this compliance causes soft actuators to have virtually infinite degrees of freedom (DoF) of motion and challenges the accurate prediction of their displacement and interaction forces. While several studies have characterized soft actuators either in blocked condition or in a specific range of motion, the testing conditions often do not match actual loading conditions, which leads to discrepancies between expected and observed mechanical behaviour. Here, we propose a novel multi-DoF experimental protocol for characterizing soft actuator interaction forces by considering three critical aspects-anchoring conditions, displacement boundary conditions, and actuation power. In order to conduct this multi-DoF characterization, we designed a novel reconfigurable robotic test platform for enforcing anchoring conditions and planar displacement boundary conditions, and measuring forces at multiple contact locations. Using this experimental protocol and setup, we dictated three loading conditions-pulling force, tip loading, and three-point bending-and analyzed the interaction forces of a soft bending actuator. Our results show that the three loading conditions produce distinct actuator behaviors. This validates the importance of loading conditions on soft actuator performance.

DOES THE GRAFT USED FOR ACL RECONSTRUCTION AFFECT THE KNEE MUSCULAR STRENGTH RATIO AT SIX MONTHS POSTOPERATIVELY?

Restoring knee muscle strength after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remains challenging. Improvement of rehabilitation program specificity demands additional knowledge on knee muscle strength deficits associated with the graft used for ACL reconstruction. This study aimed to investigate the effects of graft used for ACL reconstruction on the knee muscle strength and balance assessed at six months postoperatively, based on comparisons of the isokinetic strength curves measured throughout knee extension. Cross-sectional study. One-hundred-and-forty-four patients were assigned into three groups according to the graft used for a primary ACL reconstruction: semitendinosus (n=47), semitendinosus+gracilis (n = 75) and patellar (n=22) tendon graft. Normalized hamstring eccentric and quadriceps concentric torques, and hamstrings-to-quadriceps torque ratio (defined as the dynamic functional ratio) were bilaterally assessed during knee extension. Statistical parametric mapping was used to compare the curves of torques and ratio from 90 ° to 30 °of knee flexion between groups. The uninvolved knees presented similar strength and ratio curves in the three groups. When compared involved to uninvolved knees, hamstring strength deficit was found in hamstring tendon groups throughout knee extension (p<0.001), and quadriceps strength deficit in the three groups throughout knee extension (p<0.001). Hamstrings-to-quadriceps torque ratio was unaltered when using hamstring tendon grafts, while increased ratio was observed up to knee mid-extension when using patellar tendon graft (p<0.001). These findings suggest exercises with specific range of motion and contraction type in relation to graft may be considered for implementation into postoperative rehabilitation program in order to eliminate the regional strength deficits observed after ACL reconstruction. 3.

A validated computational framework to evaluate the stiffness of 3D printed ankle foot orthoses

The purpose of this study was to create and validate a standardized framework for the evaluation of the ankle stiffness of two designs of 3D printed ankle foot orthoses (AFOs). The creation of four finite element (FE) models allowed patient-specific quantification of the stiffness and stress distribution over their specific range of motion during the second rocker of the gait. Validation was performed by comparing the model outputs with the results obtained from a dedicated experimental setup, which showed an overall good agreement with a maximum relative error of 10.38% in plantarflexion and 10.66% in dorsiflexion. The combination of advanced computer modelling algorithms and 3D printing techniques clearly shows potential to further improve the manufacturing process of AFOs.

Contribution of ankle-foot orthosis moment in regulating ankle and knee motions during gait in individuals post-stroke

BackgroundAnkle-foot orthosis moment resisting plantarflexion has systematic effects on ankle and knee joint motion in individuals post-stroke. However, it is not known how much ankle-foot orthosis moment is generated to regulate their motion. The aim of this study was to quantify the contribution of an articulated ankle-foot orthosis moment to regulate ankle and knee joint motion during gait in individuals post-stroke. MethodsGait data were collected from 10 individuals post-stroke using a Bertec split-belt instrumented treadmill and a Vicon 3-dimensional motion analysis system. Each participant wore an articulated ankle-foot orthosis whose moment resisting plantarflexion was adjustable at four levels. Ankle-foot orthosis moment while walking was calculated under the four levels based on angle-moment relationship of the ankle-foot orthosis around the ankle joint measured by bench testing. The ankle-foot orthosis moment and the joint angular position (ankle and knee) relationship in a gait cycle was plotted to quantify the ankle-foot orthosis moment needed to regulate the joint motion. FindingsAnkle and knee joint motion were regulated according to the amount of ankle-foot orthosis moment during gait. The ankle-foot orthosis maintained the ankle angular position in dorsiflexion and knee angular position in flexion throughout a gait cycle when it generated moment from −0.029 (0.011) to −0.062 (0.019) Nm/kg (moment resisting plantarflexion was defined as negative). InterpretationsQuantifying the contribution of ankle-foot orthosis moment needed to regulate lower limb joints within a specific range of motion could provide valuable criteria to design an ankle-foot orthosis for individuals post-stroke.

Strength deficits of the shoulder complex during isokinetic testing in people with chronic stroke.

OBJECTIVES:To examine the strength deficits of the shoulder complex after stroke and to characterize the pattern of weakness according to type of movement and type of isokinetic parameter.METHOD:Twelve chronic stroke survivors and 12 age-matched healthy controls had their shoulder strength measured using a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer. Concentric measures of peak torque and work during shoulder movements were obtained in random order at speeds of 60°/s for both groups and sides. Type of movement was defined as scapulothoracic (protraction and retraction), glenohumeral (shoulder internal and external rotation) or combined (shoulder flexion and extension). Type of isokinetic parameter was defined as maximum (peak torque) or sustained (work). Strength deficits were calculated using the control group as reference.RESULTS:The average strength deficit for the paretic upper limb was 52% for peak torque and 56% for work. Decreases observed in the non-paretic shoulder were 21% and 22%, respectively. Strength deficit of the scapulothoracic muscles was similar to the glenohumeral muscles, with a mean difference of 6% (95% CI -5 to 17). Ability to sustain torque throughout a given range of motion was decreased as much as the peak torque, with a mean difference of 4% (95% CI -2 to 10).CONCLUSIONS:The findings suggest that people after stroke might benefit from strengthening exercises directed at the paretic scapulothoracic muscles in addition to exercises of arm elevation. Clinicians should also prescribe different exercises to improve the ability to generate force and the ability to sustain the torque during a specific range of motion.

Rotator cuff repair: considerations of surgical characteristics and evidence based interventions for improving muscle performance

Background: Rotator cuff tears may lead to significant limitations in function, pain and disability. The extent of recovery from surgical intervention and subsequent rehabilitation can vary depending on the complexities of the tear, repair procedure, and post-operative patient management. Evidence suggests that tear and surgical characteristics will influence patient presentation in terms of strength and function, and thus need to be considered when healthcare professionals design rehabilitation programs.Objectives: The objective of this manuscript is to present evidence-based rehabilitation guidelines for management of patients following repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears, while taking into consideration the method of repair and the characteristics of the rotator cuff defect.Major findings: Many studies have examined different characteristics of rotator cuff tears, various surgical procedures to correct the deficits, and physical interventions that target the specific range of motion and strength deficits post rotator cuff repair. A significant number of investigations have reported muscle activation levels with exercises and daily activities, which may offer a prescriptive utility to the clinician providing post-operative management. However, there are insufficient evidence-based rehabilitation programs that consider the characteristics of the rotator cuff tear defect or method of repair when addressing the post-operative clinical presentation, related impairments, functional limitations and interventions.Conclusion: Rotator cuff tears and repairs have various characteristics that can impact patient recovery. Optimal recovery is dependent on appropriate communication among healthcare professionals and a rehabilitation professional’s understanding of how the tear classifications and surgical management can influence the standard treatment plan for rotator cuff repair.

13.19 Lower limb kinetics changes during obstacles-crossingfollowing anterior cruciate ligament injury

Ankle-foot orthosis moment resisting plantarflexion has systematic effects on ankle and knee joint motion in individuals post-stroke. However, it is not known how much ankle-foot orthosis moment is generated to regulate their motion. The aim of this study was to quantify the contribution of an articulated ankle-foot orthosis moment to regulate ankle and knee joint motion during gait in individuals post-stroke.Gait data were collected from 10 individuals post-stroke using a Bertec split-belt instrumented treadmill and a Vicon 3-dimensional motion analysis system. Each participant wore an articulated ankle-foot orthosis whose moment resisting plantarflexion was adjustable at four levels. Ankle-foot orthosis moment while walking was calculated under the four levels based on angle-moment relationship of the ankle-foot orthosis around the ankle joint measured by bench testing. The ankle-foot orthosis moment and the joint angular position (ankle and knee) relationship in a gait cycle was plotted to quantify the ankle-foot orthosis moment needed to regulate the joint motion.Ankle and knee joint motion were regulated according to the amount of ankle-foot orthosis moment during gait. The ankle-foot orthosis maintained the ankle angular position in dorsiflexion and knee angular position in flexion throughout a gait cycle when it generated moment from − 0.029 (0.011) to − 0.062 (0.019) Nm/kg (moment resisting plantarflexion was defined as negative).Quantifying the contribution of ankle-foot orthosis moment needed to regulate lower limb joints within a specific range of motion could provide valuable criteria to design an ankle-foot orthosis for individuals post-stroke.

Muscular Power in Young Women After Slow and Fast Isokinetic Training

The purpose of this study was to determine, via a pilot study, if training at a fast isokinetic velocity (180 degrees /sec) would result in a greater increase in upper-extremity muscular power than training at a slow isokinetic velocity (60 /sec) while exercising through a specific range of motion (1 80"). Twenty normal young women were randomly selected into one high velocity and one slow velocity experimental group. The exercise protocol consisted of four bouts of five maximal reciprocal isokinetic contractions of the shoulder flexor and extensor muscle groups, three times a week for four weeks. Pre- and post-testing with a Cybex I$ isokinetic dynamometer was performed to determine if significant power gains were elicited within the training range of motion. Aiter training, both fast and slow velocity groups showed significant power gains (p < 0.0005). However, the results indicated that neither fast nor slow isokinetic training is more effective for power production within the 1 80 degrees range of motion of shoulder extension in the young women studied. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1986;8(1);1-9.