Task priorities and design for an arm orthosis

Issue title: Robotics

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Rahman, Tariq^{a; *} | Stroud, Sean^a | Ramanathan, Rungun^{a; b} | Alexander, Michael^a | Seliktar, Rami^b | Harwin, William^a

Affiliations: [a] A.I. duPont Institute, University of Delaware, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, USA | [b] Drexel University, 32 & Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author. Tel.: + 1 302 6516830; fax: + 1 302 6516895; e-mail: [email protected].

Abstract: For people with muscular dystrophy or spinal muscular atrophy – conditions characterized by degenerating muscle strength – the option of using a mechanical aid exists. This would allow free arm movement. This paper presents a consumer-based design approach to construction of such an assistive manipulation device and describes the consumer-driven stages in the orthosis design project within the Applied Science and Engineering Laboratories (ASEL). Results are presented from two consumer meetings held during the initial stages of the design. A design principle has been establish.:d and an initial set of prototypes evaluated. These will be used to modify subsequent design iterations.

Keywords: Rehabilitation, Orthosis, Interface, Consumer, Control

DOI: 10.3233/TAD-1996-5207

Journal: Technology and Disability, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 197-203, 1996