Feedback Information and Analysis for Microprocessor Controlled Muscle Stimulation.
Abstract
A cat was fitted with feedback sensors which provided information on joint position and foot force during unrestrained locomotion. A harness outlining the rear leg skeleton of the cast was designed. The harness was worn and supported by the animal. It contained position transducers at the joints and followed the movement of the leg throughout the step cycle. The harness restricted the rotational and lateral movements of the leg. Other feedback sensors were developed to sense foot contact and force. A simple contact switch on the ball of the foot of the cat was used with feedback harness to show exact foot placement. A force transducer designed to mount on the foot of the cat provided additional feedback from the foot. The cat was walked under different conditions to obtain position data for models of the gait cycle. Hip action with respect to a ground plane was observed for leg motion modeling. The cat was also walked on a treadmill with electromyograph activity recordings for the flexor and extensor group of each joint. This joint provided information to model the activity sequence in the muscles during locomotion. From the tabulated leg position, foot forces, hip motion and muscle activity, a model walk is presented for future microprocessor controlled stimulation experimentation for paralysis. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA115532
Entities
People
- David J. Heichel
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology