This was a phase 1 investigation of an upper limb training program using the SaeboFlex dynamic orthosis to improve upper limb motor status. Thirteen individuals with chronic hemiparesis from stroke (age 26-71 years) participated. After being fitted with a SaeboFlex orthosis, each participant was engaged in 5 days of training (6 hours per day) that consisted of repetitive, task oriented activiti...

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Demonstrate that biofilm formation will be reduced on tracheoesophageal prostheses when vibratory stimulus is applied, compared to controls receiving no vibratory stimulus, in a dynamic in vitro model of biofilm accumulation simulating the interface across the tracheoesophageal puncture site. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, randomized, controlled, crossover in university labor...

A "proof of concept" prototype of a new device to link bilateral knee-ankle-foot orthoses, the Mooring Medial Linkage Orthosis (Moorong MLO), is presented. The device consists of an arcuate sliding link centred on the hip joints with rolling element bearings to minimise friction. A single repeated-measures case study is reported in which a woman with an incomplete C6 tetraplegia ambulated over ...

Recently, robot assisted therapy devices are increasingly used for spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation in assisting handicapped patients to regain their impaired movements. Assistive robotic systems may not be able to cure or fully compensate impairments, but it should be able to assist certain impaired functions and ease movements. In this study, a couple control model for lower-limb ortho...

We present two oscillation control algorithms for resonant sensors such as vibratory gyroscopes. One control algorithm tracks the resonant frequency of the resonator and the other algorithm tunes it to the specified resonant frequency by altering the resonator dynamics. Both algorithms maintain the specified amplitude of oscillations. The stability of each of the control systems is analyzed usi...

Kikkawa T, Takashima A. Practice of gait training using lower-limb orthosis and body weight-supported walker for severe acute motor axonal neuropathy: a case report. Jpn J Compr Rehabil Sci 2023; 14: 49-53.

Four cases of apparently voluntary rapid vibratory pacifier movements occurring in normal, unstressed infants up to 1 year of age and captured on video are presented. I speculate on the possible relationship of the movements to similar vibratory jaw movements in dogs, in which species they may represent a neuromuscular mechanism for rapid feedback control.

........................................................................................................ i ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .................................................................................... iii TABLE OF CONTENTS ..................................................................................... iv NOMENCLATURE ....................................................................

A plastic ankle foot orthosis (AFO) was developed, referred to as functional ankle foot orthosis Type 2 (FAFO (II)), which can deal with genu recurvatum and the severe spastic foot in walking. Clinical trials were successful for all varus and drop feet, and for most cases of genu recurvatum. Electromyogram studies showed that the FAFO (II) reduced the spasticity of gastrocnemius and hamstring m...

Case description A 12 year old scoliotic subject was recruited in this study. They walked and stood with and without Milwaukee orthosis. Motions of the joint and the forces applied on the leg were collected by use of motion analysis system and a Kistler faceplate. The length of erector spine, external oblique and internal oblique abdominalis tendons was evaluated during walking with and without...