Applications of electrical stimulation for restoration functional movements such as standing, gait, and grasp have always been hindered by the rapid fatigue stimulated muscle. This paper describes an experimental investigation with N-lets (a set N closely spaced pulses) a means producing contractions improved characteristics. Experiments were conducted on 27 able-bodied four SCI human subjects using surface quadriceps muscle to produce isometric knee joint torque. Based upon evidence from...

Innovative technological advancements in the field of orthotics, such as portable powered orthotic systems, could create new treatment modalities to improve functional out come rehabilitation. In this article, we present a novel ankle-foot orthosis (PPAFO) provide untethered assistance during gait. The PPAFO provides both plantar flexor and dorsiflexor torque by way bidirectional pneumatic rotary actuator. system uses power source (compressed carbon dioxide bottle) embedded electronics...

Objective. To compare 2 telerehabilitation training strategies, repetitive tracking movements versus simple movements, to promote brain reorganization and recovery of hand function. Methods. Twenty subjects with chronic stroke 10 degrees voluntary finger extension were randomly assigned receive 1800 trials over weeks either computerized (track group) the affected wrist involving temporospatial processing achieve accuracy or movement (move no attention accuracy. Following training, move group...

Three methods were tested experimentally in isolated tibialis anterior and medial gastrocnemius muscles of cats. The three are steady-state step response, peak impulse deconvolved ramp response. A fourth method, described but not tested, is a stochastic iteration technique. results demonstrate that estimations recruitment curves depend on the method used all sensitive to short-term long-term time variations muscle properties. While step-response technique traditional for estimating curves,...

Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) can be used to ameliorate the impact of impairments lower limb neuromuscular motor system that affect gait. Existing AFO technologies include passive devices with fixed and articulated joints, semiactive modulate damping at joint, active make use a variety produce power move foot. Emerging provide vision for fully powered, untethered AFOs. However, stringent design requirements light weight, small size, high efficiency, low noise present significant engineering...

Abstract NOTE: The first page of text has been automatically extracted and included below in lieu an abstract Session 3266 A Hands-On "Introduction to Engineering" Course For Large Numbers Students William K. Durfee Department Mechanical Engineering University Minnesota at the developed a new engineering design curriculum meet pedagogical needs undergraduate mechanical students which could also serve as model for education large state universities. major outcome was creation core lower...

Designing advanced controllers for motor neural prosthesis applications requires appropriate models electrically stimulated muscle. A nonlinear nonisometric muscle model based on a Hill-type structure is presented. Estimation algorithms were derived to parameterize the passive force-length, force-velocity, active and force-velocity properties, isometric recruitment curve, linear contraction dynamics of model. All parameters experimental measurements rather than values taken from literature....

A hybrid functional-electrical stimulation (FES) gait system that incorporates a computer-controlled orthosis has been developed to address the problems of rapid muscle fatigue and poor movement control are characteristic FES-aided gait. The is long-leg brace contains controllable friction brakes at both hip knee joints. achieves desirable limb trajectories by utilizing stimulated muscles as source unregulated power regulating each joint computer brakes. Muscle reduced locking provide...

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is a means of restoring gait to individuals with spinal cord injury, but the performance most FES-aided systems hampered by rapid muscle fatigue which results from stimulated contraction and inadequate control joint torques necessary produce desired limb trajectories. The controlled-brake orthosis (CBO) addresses these limitations utilizing FES in combination long-leg brace that contains controllable friction brakes at knees hips. A laboratory version...

Background Telerehabilitation allows rehabilitative training to continue remotely after discharge from acute care and can include complex tasks known create rich conditions for neural change. Objectives The purposes of this study were: (1) explore the feasibility using telerehabilitation improve ankle dorsiflexion during swing phase gait in people with stroke (2) compare versus simple movements promoting behavioral change brain reorganization. Design This was a pilot randomized controlled...

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is an effective neuromodulation adjunct to repetitive motor training in promoting recovery post-stroke. Finger tracking whereby people with stroke use the impaired index finger trace waveform-shaped lines on a monitor. Our aims were assess feasibility and safety of telerehabilitation program consisting tDCS through questionnaires ease use, adverse symptoms, quantitative assessments function cognition. We believe this will be safe feasible, may...

Bending soft robots must be structured and predictable to used in applications such as a grasping hand. We developed robot fingers with embedded bones improve the performance of puppetry haptic feedback. The manufacturing process for bone-inspired is described, two mathematical models are reported: one predict stiffness natural frequency finger other trajectory planning. Experiments using different prototypes were set model parameters. first model, which had fourth-order lumped...

IntroductionNew products are the driver behind most successful businesses and key to maintaining a competitive position in today's market.The University of Minnesota has launched an initiative which creates novel educational model for teaching principles product design development.The goals this effort are:1. To train future leaders business venture teams.2. improve process development through understanding new methodologies entrepreneurial strategies .3. opportunities sponsoring...

Background: technical feasibility was evaluated for conducting standard motor assessment instruments in a remote setting. Remote compared to co-located five clinical evaluation instruments: joint range-of-motion (ROM), manual muscle test (MMT), Berg sit-to-stand, forward reach, and timed up go (TUG). Methods: rooms were the same building connected by broadband video audio. Ten subjects without impairments participated, but given simulated mimic patient population commonly seen rehabilitation...

We investigated small-scale hydraulic power actuation systems using a system level analysis, where refers to generating 10 100 W output power, determine whether the high density advantage of hydraulics holds at small sizes. Hydraulic actuator was analyzed with simple physics models and compared an equivalent electromechanical comprised off-the-shelf components. Calculation results revealed that operating pressures are needed for be lighter than system. The analysis limited conduit as those...

Abstract A Writing Program for Mechanical EngineeringRecognizing that competency in writing is essential engineers and recognizing thatthe responsibility instruction rests within the major, Department ofMechanical Engineering at Twin Cities campus of University Minnesota hasundergone a process transforming ways its undergraduate majors learn to write.The department part innovative Writing-Enriched Curriculum (WEC) programthat aims transform university by enabling faculty membersin all...

Abstract Loss of mobility due to lower limb paralysis is a common result thoracic level spinal cord injury. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) can restore primitive gait in the vicinity wheelchair by using generate muscle contractions. A new concept for FES-assisted presented that combines with an orthosis contains fluid power system store and transfer energy during cycle. The storage (ESO) be driven through complete cycle only quadriceps muscles. conceptual design ESO was completed...