Pearce, Gary (2017) Physio-Exercise-Bike Adaptation for use by person with restricted knee-bending range. [USQ Project]
Abstract
About 20% of people with a fracture to the lower femur (condyle) will have complications which can lead to a lengthy delay in bone union. During this time, the thigh bone can become extremely osteoporosed. The extensive scar tissue, resulting from the necessary surgery can also affect the muscles ability to effectively control the lower leg; this is known as a knee ‘lag’.
The ideal therapy for both conditions is rehabilitation on an exercise-bike.
Following reduction to a fracture in the condyle area, there is frequently bone misalignment which severely limits the knee bending ability (flexion and extension). More than 90 degrees of flexion is required to use any cycling apparatus.
Four designs are presented for shortening the crank-arm, thereby reducing the amount the knee must bend – at the top of the pedals revolution – to allow the user to complete 360° cycles of rotation.
Two simple and two mechanically assisted working models are proposed, depending on the individuals need, and the person’s skillset or that of their helpers. A mechanically assisted version is composed of components that cost less than $100, the fixed and sliding versions, considerably less; none require specialist expertise to produce.
An Arduino Uno with a DK Electronics Motorshield was chosen as the motor driver for both mechanically assisted designs, due to its compact size, and simple operation. The project constraints are:
• to use only simple tools found in the average persons’ home or garage
• to use only readily available off-the-shelf components
• it should be makeable by anyone with basic handyman skills
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| Item Type: | USQ Project |
|---|---|
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Additional Information: | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Mechanical) |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (1 Jul 2013 - 31 Dec 2021) |
| Supervisors: | Snook, Chris |
| Date Deposited: | 10 Sep 2021 04:55 |
| Last Modified: | 31 Jan 2023 01:43 |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/40809 |
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