Papers by Keyword: Rehabilitation

Abstract: Precise and decisive event prediction is necessary for benevolent movement with exoskeleton. Hence, two events are important during sit to stand assistance: seat off and stand off assistance. The seat-off event needs to be predicted to get the moment when start-of assistance should be started such that exoskeleton supports the Sit-to-Stand (STS) movement instead of inhibiting it. This paper proposed a Radial Basis Function Neural Network (RBFN) to learn a relation between inputs and the event. In this piece of work, we have predicted the seat-off event of multiple healthy human subjects through the RBFN network. Due to salient features of the RBFN network such as easy designing, generalization and strong tolerance to noise makes them suitable for this application. The method used allows reliable event prediction with joint angles as inputs. This model will be flexible as it will recognize the pattern for different people and work accordingly.

Abstract: The neurological rehabilitation focuses on enhancing functional recovery and improving the quality of life for people who have experienced injuries or diseases affecting the central or peripheral nervous system. This functional recovery includes a follow up of the kinematics of the patients limbs. The use of a open source software such as OpenSim, has been previously proposed as a tool for kinematic analysis, this software allows for highly specialized 3D musculoskeletal modeling, facilitates kinematic analysis and the assessment of force and angles in the lower and upper limbs of the human body. In this context, the propose of this research was to test the reliability of OpenSim for kinematic analysis during neurological rehabilitation. For this goal, the Motricity Index test was done by a group of three healthy participants, this values were used for comparison to the stroke patient who is currently undergoing neurological rehabilitation process. The results demonstrates all the limitations in the range of motion of the patient in comparison to the healthy group due his motor issues, such as muscle spasticity and weakness. This research shows the advantages and limitations of this software and its application in neurological rehabilitation. The goal is to contribute to the development of effective and personalized therapeutic strategies to improve the recovery process for these patients.

Abstract: Tactile sensors in wearable devices have gained attention for their potential applications in enhancing amenability, generation, and functionality for the human body, including sensing and control. This study elaborates on the design of a tactile sensor consisting of EeonTex conductive stretchable elastic fibre, which possesses a bi-directionally stretchable elastic fibre, and was formulated by coating nylon/spandex with a long-lasting conductive formulation. This fabric has proven to be beneficial for use in various different e-tactile applications. The authors systematically investigated the performance of the tactile sensor via 2 different manipulative gestures on a part of the upper limb of two different subjects. The tactile sensor was observed to change its electrical resistance when mechanical force was applied to its surface. It was also noted to be lightweight, inexpensive, stretchable, flexible, and easy to design and set up. This type of tactile sensor possesses the ability to recognise the intention of muscle movement and measure the muscle activities from the forearm. The prime objective of this study was to use such sensors as sleeves mounted on the forearms of the upper limbs. The reasoning behind this was that when muscle contract, they change their shape which in turn results in mechanical pressure being applied to the sensor. Experimental results showed that the tactile sensor’s feedback successfully detected open/closed hands when the sensor sleeve was worn on the forearm region.

Abstract: Rehabilitation of a historic farmstead originated from 17-18^th century is focused on the strengthening and preservation of structures including masonry vaults in existing agricultural buildings and underground corridor near Prague. For specification of the actual strength of masonry and also for the determination of material characteristics, the physically-chemical analysis of mortar was prepared. The estimation of actual masonry strength makes it easier to rebuilt two masonry vaults and also to strengthen existing historical corridor which leaded in the past to the ruins of castle. Principles of ISO 13822 for the assessment of existing structures and CSN 73 0038 is applied for the verification of the reliability level of historical masonry vaults which represent an important aspect of the culture of its period and could be considered to have some heritage value.

Abstract: Seismic events recently occurred in Europe highlighted the vulnerability of unreinforced masonry structures, representing the majority of the built heritage, to earthquake-induced loads. In particular, the in-plane capacity of shear walls under seismic loadings appeared sensibly modest, both in terms of strength and ultimate displacement, and their failure mode sudden and brittle. Textile Reinforced Mortar (TRM) composites proved to be a proper strengthening solution for the seismic upgrade of such walls. With the aim of gaining a deeper knowledge on the behavior of historical walls retrofitted with TRM and subjected to compression-and-shear, this paper summarizes the results of an experimental campaign characterized by quasi-static cyclic shear-compression tests. The specimens under study reproduced the rubble stone masonry typical of vernacular structures of the UNESCO historical district of Lyon (France). Specifically, the work concerns a full scale masonry wall tested under loading until the development of diagonal cracks and than repaired by a composite constituted by a basalt textile embedded in a lime mortar matrix applied onto the external surfaces as a plaster. The use of a lime mortar plaster to reinforce the structural element permits the development of a solution compatible with the historical substrate. Experimental outcomes revealed how Basalt TRMs succeeded in improving the response of damaged vernacular wall, both in terms of strength and displacement capacity.

Abstract: The paper deals with the analysis of performed repairs and the current state of drainage and ventilation system of the Plasy convent and their evaluation. The Plasy historic water system is described in detail based on the results of a long-term field and structural survey. At the same time, unsuitable interventions, particular the application of chemical barrier, were analysed. Recommendations for further measures in the framework of the rehabilitation of the whole convent are made.

Abstract: A rehabilitation device for a post-stroke is essential because stroke attacks can cause disable to part or half of the human body. An exoskeleton could be a vital device for rehabilitation for a post-stroke patient. Several studies have proposed the exoskeleton design for rehabilitation purposes to a human limb disorder. This study aims to review the state-of-the-art of hand exoskeleton devices based on myoelectric or any other sensors. This paper is expected to contribute to design a hand exoskeleton device using both myoelectric and force sensors. This was achieved by reviewing several articles related to the development of the exoskeleton, especially in the sensor system, data processing, and actuator system. The results show that the use of Ag electrode disposable Ag (AgCl) is still commonly found to detect the movement of the fingers on the hand because this sensor can reduce the artifact noise. The use of myo-armband is also found in several studies because it has wireless properties so that it is easy to use. In terms of processors, Arduino microcontrollers are more widely used than others. In order to activate the hand exoskeleton, servo motors are more widely used to actuate the finger joints, which is more precise than other actuators. In a further development, integration between exoskeleton systems and information systems will be an expected challenge. Furthermore, hopefully, the development of this exoskeleton can be applied as a rehabilitation device for patients with malfunction or hand paralysis.

Abstract: Patients with Parkinson’s disease or stroke show symptoms of motor disorders that disturb gait and mobility. Although the objective and/or quantitative assessment of the rehabilitation to evaluate the degree of improvement is significantly important, three-dimensional (3D) motion capture systems to evaluate body movement are very expensive and require many markers attached to patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of medical and healthcare ICT-supported rehabilitation assistance systems for 3D gait analysis using low-cost markerless motion capture devices in response to practical clinical needs. The clinical data obtained by our system showed that there were significant differences between the patient group and the healthy subject group.

Abstract: The trauma of the anterior cruciate ligament is one of the most prevalent kinds of trauma among sportsmen. It is necessary to determine the degree of trauma of the ligament as accurately as possible which will allow appointing the optimal tactic of treatment. But nowadays there are a lot of different kinds of conservative and surgical treatment and also various complexes of rehabilitation. In this work authors introduce analysis and systematization of modern methods of treatment and rehabilitation of patients with injuries of anterior cruciate ligament with the goal to study evolution and modern condition of tactical and technological ways of rehabilitation of patients with injuries of the anterior cruciate ligament.

Abstract: The Solid Ankle Cushioned Heel (SACH) foot is a commonly prescribed prosthetic foot for the rehabilitation of lower limb amputees. From the viewpoint of its biomechanical performance, the foot is known to cause drop-off effect and asymmetry in amputee gait. Therefore, the objective of this work is to improvise the effective foot length ratio (EFLR) and the progression of the centre of pressure (CoP) of the SACH foot by providing a novel design approach that utilizes finite element analysis. Boundary conditions employed for evaluating the roll-over characteristics of prosthetic feet were numerically incorporated in this work. The non-linear mechanical behavior of the foot was included with the incorporation of large deformation, a hyperelastic material model and the Augmented Lagrangian contact formulation. Outcomes from the simulations were experimentally verified using an inverted pendulum-like apparatus, thereby substantiating the numerical approach. The design process of the SACH foot involved the modification of the elastic modulus of its components for enhancing the parameters of interest. Results obtained presented a 5.07% increase in the EFLR and a 9.29% increase in the anteroposterior progression of the CoP, which may improve amputee stability. The design solution presented may support the large user base of the SACH foot towards achieving enhanced gait characteristics during ambulation. Moreover, this work successfully demonstrates a novel design procedure for a prosthetic foot through an effective numerical implementation.