Abstract
INTRODUCTION: People with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) often have muscle weakness in the biceps that makes elbow flexion difficult. An elbow-flexion assist orthosis was designed using the force of springs, combined with a sliding joint, to apply appropriate elbow torque to aid a user in lifting her hand to her mouth. The sliding joint allows an increasing elbow torque despite a decreasing spring force.
METHODS: The device was prototyped for a user with AMC. An occupational therapist measured the user's flexion with and without the device. Benchtop torque measurements were also determined and compared with user trials.
RESULTS: The assist orthosis applied an increasing torque as the elbow flexed, thereby allowing the subject to reach her mouth for feeding and then extend her elbow to a position of no applied torque. Without the device, the subject had active elbow flexion of 87 degrees. With the device, this flexion increased to 120 degrees.
CONCLUSION: The novel prototype is a lightweight, spring-powered flexion orthosis which can be made relatively easily and is potentially concealed under clothing. It provides the appropriate torque to move the hand against gravity and increases elbow-flexion of the user.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | 2019 IEEE 16th International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics, ICORR 2019 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Publisher | IEEE |
Publication date | Jun 2019 |
Pages | 494-498 |
Article number | 8779399 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781728127552 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jun 2019 |
Event | 16th IEEE International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics, ICORR 2019 - Toronto, Canada Duration: 24 Jun 2019 → 28 Jun 2019 |
Conference
Conference | 16th IEEE International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics, ICORR 2019 |
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Country/Territory | Canada |
City | Toronto |
Period | 24/06/2019 → 28/06/2019 |
Series | IEEE International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics |
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Volume | 2019-June |
ISSN | 1945-7898 |
Keywords
- Arthrogryposis/physiopathology
- Braces
- Elbow Joint/physiopathology
- Elbow/physiopathology
- Female
- Humans
- Muscle, Skeletal/physiopathology