Exercise tricycle for paraplegics

The work describes a tricycle that can be used by paraplegics without assistance. Paraplegics can get on and off the tricycle independently, using hydraulic adjustment of the saddle height. The two rear wheels can be swivelled with adjustable hydraulic damping, which avoids the stability problems of...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Medical & biological engineering & computing 1998, Vol.36 (1), p.118-121
Main Authors: GFÖHLER, M, LOICHT, M, LUGNER, P
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Biomedical Engineering
Electric power generation
Exercise equipment
Fluid flow
Force measurement
Functional electric stimulation
Goniometers
Headache. Facial pains. Syncopes. Epilepsia. Intracranial hypertension. Brain oedema. Cerebral palsy
Humans
Hydraulics
Medical sciences
Motors
Muscle
Nervous system (semeiology, syndromes)
Neurology
Paralysis
Paraplegia - rehabilitation
Paraplegics
Position measurement
Self-Help Devices
Spinal cord injuries
Stimulation
Tricycles
Velocity measurement
Wheels
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Summary:The work describes a tricycle that can be used by paraplegics without assistance. Paraplegics can get on and off the tricycle independently, using hydraulic adjustment of the saddle height. The two rear wheels can be swivelled with adjustable hydraulic damping, which avoids the stability problems of a standard tricycle when riding around bends. The principal driving power is assumed to be provided by functional electrical stimulation of the femoral muscles. A hub motor is integrated in the front wheel to increase the radius of action, as additional drive for cycling up gradients and in case muscle force is not sufficient. The desired drive power is adjusted by a throttle grip on the handlebar. The percentage of motor power can also be adjusted. The force applied to the pedal, the absolute angular position of the crank, and the angular velocity of the front wheel are continuously measured by a force measurement pedal and a goniometer. Based on this information, the motor and the functional electrical stimulation of the legs are controlled.
ISSN:0140-0118
1741-0444
DOI:10.1007/BF02522868