Pneumatically-Powered Orthosis and Electronic Control System for Stroke Patient Rehabilitation
Abstract
This thesis presents the development of a system designed to manipulate the upper extremity of stroke patients suffering from hemiplegia. The orthosis, an aluminum structure built to be strapped on to a patient's paretic arm, is jointed at the elbow to allow rotational motion of the arm. Compressed air provides the force necessary to move the orthosis/arm combination through a selected motion profile via a power cylinder activated by a pneumatic servovalve. Sensors located on the orthosis and throughout the system provide feedback to circuitry which precisely controls arm position. A digital computer with data acquisition capability provides software control over several system parameters and generates a user-friendly interface to the therapist performing the rehabilitation exercise. Measurements such as velocity, acceleration, and differential pressure taken during various operating modes can be used to calculate power, strength, range of motion, and degree of muscle spasticity so that a time history of improvement for the patient may be developed and used to study the effects of such therapy on stroke rehabilitation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA267466
Entities
People
- William K. Brogran Jr
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology