Can Simple Electronic Instrumentation Associated With Basic Training Help Users Of Assistive Devices?: Presenting And Verifying The Effectiveness Of A Biofeedback Module For An Instrumented Crutch

Crutches are prescribed towards compensating lower limb overload and adding sensory information through upper limb. However, adequate loads are required to avoid upper limb lesions and further lower limb injuries. Therefore, this work describes the development and application of a biofeedback module for a Lofstrand crutch, based on a simple electronic instrumentation. The goal is to train the user to apply proper load on the crutch. Basic training was performed by healthy subjects before and after static and dynamic activities. Results showed the feasibility of the device and the effectiveness of the training to reach the target (load on the crutch of 20% of body weight). Copyright © 2014 SCITEPRESS - Science and Technology Publications. All rights reserved.259264Control and Communication (INSTICC),Institute for Systems and Technologies of Information,Agarwal, S., Abidin, A.Z., Chattopadhyay, S., Acharya, U.R., Engineering interventions to improve impaired gait: A review (2012) Advances in Therapeutic Engineering, pp. 335-363. , In: Yu, W., Chattopadhyay, S., Lim, T. C.Acharya, U. R. Boca Raton: CRC Press-Taylor &Francis GroupBaker, R., Clinical gait analysis (2012) Orthopaedic Biomechanics, pp. 419-443. , In: Winkelstein, B. A. Boca Raton: CRC Press-Taylor &Francis GroupBlount, W.P., Don't throw away the cane (1956) The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 38, pp. 695-708Chen, C.L., Chen, H.C., Wong, M.K., Tang, F.T., Chen, R.S., Temporal stride and force analysis of cane-assisted gait in people with hemiplegic stroke (2001) Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 82, pp. 43-48Cook, A.M., Hussey Susan, M., (2002) Assistive Technologies: Principles and Practice, , Missouri: MosbyDelisa, J.A., Gans, B.M., (1993) Rehabilitation Medicine-Principles and Practice, , Philadelphia:Lippincott, J.B., Edelstein, J.N., Assistive devices for ambulation (2013) Physical Medicine &Rehabilitation Clinics of North America, 24, pp. 291-303Laufer, Y., The effect of walking aids on balance and weight-bearing patterns of patients with hemiparesis in various stance positions (2003) Physical Therapy, 83, pp. 112-122Leite, F.I.L., (2002) Development of An Electronic Crutch to Medical Assistance, , Master of Science. University of São PauloMelis, E.H., Torres-Moreno, R., Barbeau, H., Lemaire, E.D., Analysis of assisted-gait characteristics in persons with incomplete spinal cord injury (1999) Spinal Cord, 37, pp. 430-439Moriana, G.C., Roldán, J.R., Rejano, J.J., Martínez, R.C., Serrano, C.S., Design and validation of GCH System 1.0 which measures the weight-bearing exerted on forearm crutches during aided gait (2013) Gait Posture, 37, pp. 564-569Saad, M., Meios auxiliares de marcha (2007) Tratado de Medicina de Reabilitação., pp. 330-333. , In: Greve, J. M. D. São Paulo: RocaSimoneau, G.G., Cinesiologia da marcha (2011) Cinesiologia Do Apararelho Musculoesquelético-Fundamentos Para Reabilitação, pp. 627-676. , In: Neumann, D. A. Rio de Janeiro: ElsevierWall, J.C., (2001) Movimento Functional Humano: Mensuração e Análise, pp. 93-105. , In: Durward, B. R., Baer, G. D., Rowe, P. J. São Paulo: ManoleWaring, W.P., Werner, R.A., Clinical management of carpal tunnel syndrome in patients with long-term sequelae of poliomyelitis (1989) Journal of Hand Surgery (American Volume), 14, pp. 865-86