Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Major/Program

Biomedical Engineering

First Advisor's Name

Diana Rincon

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Eric Crumpler

Third Advisor's Name

Richard Schoephoerster

Date of Defense

3-28-2007

Abstract

The pathology of stroke attacks the central nervous system commonly resulting in the loss of voluntary neuromuscular control which negatively affects the walking capability of many survivors. New rehabilitation techniques utilizing biofeedback, robotic assisted movements, and gait specific exercises have been shown individually to increase the neurological recovery as compared to traditional methods of physical rehabilitation. The Biofeedback Assisted Robotic Ankle-foot orthosis (B.A.R.A.) is a prototype that combines all three characteristic treatments into a single portable device focused on improving voluntary dorsiflexion capability and gait patterns of the ankle-foot complex. The initial pilot study utilized a single healthy individual to study the joint angle patterns of the ankle while utilizing the BARA device in a drop-foot gait simulation. The resulting angular positional curves showed general patterns representative of a normal gait cycle while eliminating the hazardous effects of drop-foot.

Identifier

FI14060140

Comments

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