A dynamic supine stander for subjects with disabilities leading to prolonged immobility

Bone tissue needs to be exposed to loading in order to stimulate the osteogenic response of the body. Disabilities that lead to prolonged immobility will result in a decrease of the osteogenic processes and an increase in resorption of bone by osteoclast cells. This disuse modeling can lead to osteopenia, osteoporosis, and subsequent non-traumatic fractures. These disabilities are varied in nature and duration, and can include load bearing bone fracture, excessive obesity, spinal cord injury, and cerebral palsy. The following describes the concept and design of a novel dynamic supine stander that will provide loads simulating ambulation to the lower extremities of subjects that have disabilities causing prolonged immobility. The device provides full body support while using computer-controlled actuators to apply the loads. The current configuration is meant for pediatric cerebral palsy patients. These patients are prone to osteoporosis due to disuse modeling of their bones from prolonged immobility. The device can be reconfigured for different body types and sizes.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering - (M.S.)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biomedical Engineering

Year

2007

Author dc:creator

• Espina, Luis Alberto

Contributors dc:contributor

• Richard A. Foulds
• Bruno A. Mantilla
• Sergei Adamovich

• Supine stander
• Ambulation
• Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/theses/379

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.njit.edu:theses-1378