ABSTRACT
This paper describes a low cost cushioned seat of variable configuration for cerebral palsied children in the 5 to 10 year age bracket. Economic considerations are presented and the manufacturing process is described. It is believed that the system has advantages specially related to socio-economic conditions prevailing in a developing country.
Subject(s)
Cerebral Palsy , Equipment and Supplies , Child , Child, Preschool , Costs and Cost Analysis , Equipment Design , Equipment and Supplies/economics , HumansABSTRACT
The design of crutches and walking sticks to assist the disabled has not varied much since their original conception, some 5000 years ago. From an engineering viewpoint one must consider crutches and walking sticks as dynamic mechanical systems which alleviate a disability; they may act as supports, help the user to recover from stumbling, or transmit from the arms, the energy required to lift the feet from the ground, an action not provided by artificial ankle joints. We describe some dynamic walking aids recently developed at the Instituto de Mecánica Aplicada, and discuss their design and our experience with their use. They are adjustable in height, shock absorbing and have non-slipping tips. Specially developed aids have been designed for children; they are versatile and their use has been made psychologically attractive.
Subject(s)
Orthopedic Equipment , Biomedical Engineering , Canes , Child , Crutches , Humans , Rehabilitation , WalkersABSTRACT
Orthotic devices usually prescribed for ambulatory treatment of Legg-Perthes disease do not meet the severe kinematic requirements necessary for a comfortable gait. This paper describes the IMA II brace which offers several advantages in comparison with conventional braces. It is shown that improved kinematic characteristics are obtained by the use of six joints placed symmetrically at two levels of the brace.