Smart Fluid Devices for Physical Rehabilitation

简介(申请人提供)：建议项目涉及 轻质、便携、低成本、可变电阻的研制 锻炼器械(Vred)，用于康复中的肌肉强化。这个 该项目的目标是开发一种原型Vred，它包括 磁流变(MR)流体，其粘度随压力变化而变化 施加磁场，用于现有的康复设备，如膝盖 牙套。通过采用微处理器技术，Vred将允许 治疗师将施加在患者肌肉上的阻力编程为 通过修改非常少量的电流来精确控制的方式 简单的电池。阻力通过的力和运动范围 将通过运动和反馈轻松控制 速度传感器。Vred的其他功能将包括可调整性， 用数字显示测量扭矩和运动速度，可变 运动停止，和一个顺应性测量仪。该项目的长期目标 就是开发一种适合于增强许多肌肉的装置 然而，分组训练将作为股四头肌和腿部肌腱加强训练。 拟议研究的模型。在原型的开发过程中 Vred在15-90o范围内的等轴测电阻曲线将在 由年长的男性和女性组成的小组，将负责开发 弗莱德。在研制出VRED样机后，验证了该装置的可行性 将在一小群健康的老年人身上进行测试，年龄在50-80岁之间 年长的。患者的满意度将从外观、舒适度、 易用性；膝关节屈伸时疼痛；皮肤刺激感； 努力。最后，VRED将用于#年的小型试点加强研究。 膝关节骨性关节炎和股四头肌无力的人 在关节镜下清创之后。功能结果衡量标准(准备就绪 测试和定时爬楼梯)和三维运动分析 步行将被用来评估强化的功能结果 弗莱德。本项目期间收集的数据将作为以下项目的试点数据 提出了进一步研究的建议。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The proposed project involves the development of a light weight, portable, low cost, variable resistance exercise device (VRED) for use in muscle strengthening in rehabilitation. The aims of the project are to develop a prototype VRED that incorporates magnetorheologic (MR) fluid that changes its viscosity in response to an applied magnetic field, to existing rehabilitation devices, such as knee braces. By incorporating microprocessor technology, the VRED will allow a therapist to program the resistance applied to a patient's muscles in a precisely controlled manner by modifying a very small amount of current from a simple battery. The force and range of motion through which the resistance will be applied are easily controlled through feedback from motion and velocity sensors. Other features of the VRED will include adjustability, measurement of torque and movement velocity with digital display, variable motion stops, and a compliance meter. The long-term objective of the project is to develop a device that will be appropriate for strengthening many muscle groups, however, quadriceps and hamstring muscle strengthening will serve as the model for the proposed study. During the development of the prototype VRED isometric resistance profiles over a 15-90o range will be generated in a group of older men and women and will serve to develop the controllers for the VRED. After the prototype VRED is fabricated the feasibility of the device will be tested on a small group of healthy older individuals, age 50-80 years old. Patient satisfaction will be assessed with regard to appearance; comfort; ease of use; pain during knee flexion and extension; skin irritation; sense of effort. Finally, the VRED will be used in a small pilot strengthening study in people with osteoarthritis of the knee and quadriceps femoris weakness following arthroscopic debridement. Functional outcome measures (Get-up-and-go test and timed-stair climbing) and three dimensional motion analysis during walking will be used to assess the functional outcome of strengthening with the VRED. Data collected during this project will serve as pilot data for further research proposals.