Developing an intelligent & portable stretching device

描述（由申请人提供）：本研究的目的是开发一种新型便携式康复设备，具有智能控制功能，可反复拉伸痉挛和/或挛缩的踝关节，以减少神经功能受损患者的痉挛/挛缩。它将拉伸关节至真正的极端跖屈和背屈，直到达到指定的峰值阻力扭矩，并根据阻力扭矩不断调整拉伸速度。一旦达到峰值阻力扭矩，踝关节将在极端位置保持一段时间，让应力放松，然后再旋转回另一个极端位置。在关节极端位置的拉伸速度将非常慢，从而可以安全地达到更大的ROM，并且在中间ROM中拉伸速度将很快，因此大部分拉伸运动不会花费在挛缩/痉挛不太明显的中间ROM中。该器械还将用于评价多个方面的结局，包括被动ROM、关节刚度、粘性阻尼、能量损失和反射兴奋性的变化。该拉伸装置将为治疗师和神经受损患者提供有用的工具。 在该项目的第二阶段，我们将对智能拉伸设备进行全面改进，并为商业化做好准备。机械和电子设计以及相关软件将得到大幅改进，使其成为具有用户友好手持界面的独立医疗器械。我们将评估其在中风患者踝关节痉挛的临床治疗和预后评估中的应用。第二阶段项目的总体目标是开发一种有效、便携、低成本、用户友好的智能担架，适合患者在诊所或家庭使用，并准备商业化。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The objectives of this study are to develop a new portable rehabilitation device with intelligent control to stretch an ankle joint with spasticity and/or contracture repeatedly to reduce spasticity/contracture in neurologically impaired patients. It will stretch the joint to true extreme plantar- and dorsi-flexion until a specified peak resistance torque is reached with the stretching velocity adjusted constantly based on the resistance torque. Once the peak resistance torque is reached, the ankle will be held at the extreme position for a period of time to let the stress relax before it is rotated back to the other extreme position. The stretching velocity will be very slow at the joint extreme positions, making it possible to reach a larger ROM safely, and it will be fast in the middle ROM so the majority of the stretching exercise is not spent in the middle ROM where contracture/spasticity is less significant. The device will also be used to evaluate outcome in multiple aspects including changes in passive ROM, joint stiffness, viscous damping, energy loss, and reflex excitability. The stretching device will provide a useful tool to both the therapists and neurologically impaired patients. In Phase II of this project, we will make comprehensive improvements of the intelligent stretching device and make it ready for commercialization. Mechanical and electronic designs and relevant software will be improved considerably, making it a stand-alone medical device with a user-friendly handheld interface. We will evaluate its use in clinical treatment and outcome assessment in stroke patients with spastic ankle. The overall objectives of the Phase II project are to develop an effective, portable, low-cost, and user-friendly intelligent stretcher, suitable and economical for patients to use in clinic or home and ready for commercialization.