Ergonomics of support cane handles.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Burns↗
Biomedical subjects
J G Thacker
Publications and source records attributed to J G Thacker.
Mechanical performance of exertubing for isotonic hand exercise.
The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanical performance of hollow latex rubber tubes used for hand rehabilitation. The results of this investigation provide load extension profiles of each tube that document the forces required to elongate the tube to a specific length. By relating these mechanical performance tests to quantitative measures of hand strength, an individualized exercise prescription can be designed for rehabilitation of the injured hand.
Burns↗
A system for adaptive transportation.
In our society, we take for granted the ability to travel with few restrictions. For most travelers, the major factor that limits travel is cost. However, for a significant number of Americans, the phrase "freedom to travel" is meaningless. These are the physically handicapped, a group with special needs that has long been denied what every American assumes to be a natural right.
Automobiles↗
Adaptive air travel transportation systems for persons with disabilities.
The Air Carrier Access Act ensures that no air carrier may discriminate against persons with disabilities. This Act specifies rules and regulations that remove architectural barriers to persons with disabilities. Other important considerations in the comprehensive adaptive air travel system for persons with disabilities include (1) aircraft boarding environment, (2) boarding chairs, (3) collapsible aircraft wheelchairs, (4) aircraft stowage procedures for battery-powered wheelchairs, and (5) airport shuttle bus or van service. Educational curricula must be developed that describe the comprehensive operation of this system. Evaluation of the performance of the system for persons with disabilities is mandatory to ensure that persons with disabilities have the same level of services as those without disabilities.
Aircraft↗
Innovations in the design and performance of underpads for patients with burns.
The purpose of this study was to determine the biomechanical performance of commercially available underpads and bed linens to reduce the development of pressure sores in patients with burns who are at high risk. The three biomechanical performance parameters examined were coefficient of friction, absorbent capacity, and rewet. Because wetting either cotton or cotton/polyester bedsheets markedly increases their coefficients of friction, underpads should be used routinely to protect the skin against frictional forces. One disposable underpad is ideally suited to protect the skin of the patient at high risk. It has a polyolefin backing with a low coefficient of friction that serves as an effective barrier to moisture transmission while still shifting easily with the patient's movement. In addition, it is the only underpad studied that contains a superabsorbent polymer that provides a far superior absorbent capacity and minimizes rewet. Wet-back is further inhibited by its thick intermediate tissue layer and its spunbonded polypropylene coverstock.
Absorption↗
Rehabilitation engineering education at the University of Virginia.
The graduate rehabilitation engineering program of study at the University of Virginia is the first program of its type in the United States. The first students were admitted to the program in the fall of 1979. The program is designed to train students with engineering and clinical science backgrounds in the field of rehabilitation engineering. Emphasis is placed on practical training through internship activities at the University of Virginia Rehabilitation Engineering Center and Medical School Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation. Field experience is received at the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center and the University of Virginia Children's Rehabilitation Center.
Biomedical Engineering↗
Wheelchair caster shimmy II: damping.
The theory of shimmy damping is investigated including tire friction, spindle bearing friction, and hydraulic damping. A new theoretical improvement in hydraulic damping is presented. Experimental results are presented along with a discussion concerning the limitations due to the approximations used in the theory. The basic theory of wheelchair caster shimmy was published by the authors in 1984, and an examination of the sources of shimmy damping is corrected and updated in this paper.
Biomechanical Phenomena↗
Evaluation of automatic disposable rotating cartridge skin staplers.
Burn surgeons commonly employ skin staples for the application of skin grafts and to secure dressings on donor site dressings and over skin grafts. Disposable skin staplers with rotating cartridges are ideally suited for wound closure because the position of their cartridges can be manually adjusted to facilitate placement of their staples. In response to the burgeoning interest in disposable automatic skin staplers with rotating cartridges, three different models are now commercially available. This report describes the design configuration and mechanical performance of these disposable automatic staplers and their staples. Mechanical performance of these staplers and staples has been assessed by standardized tests that can be replicated in any research laboratory. On the basis of these objective design and performance parameters, the Premium stapler is recommended for wound closure. This stapler provides maximal visualization of the wound as well as the staple during its formation. It delivers the staple into the skin or wound in a manner that the cross member of the staple is above the skin or wound surface. In addition, the Premium stapler has a prepositioning mechanism that can be controlled by the surgeon with minimal force. This mechanism allows the stapler to hold its staple securely, even when its pointed legs extend beyond the delivery end of the stapler. Force required to form its staples is so low that the surgeon can staple repetitively without fatigue. Finally, the Premium stapler delivers a staple that has a uniform geometry and sharp points that can easily penetrate tissue.
Adult↗
A new hydrofitness device for strengthening muscles of the upper extremity.
A new hydrofitness device has been devised for strengthening upper extremity muscles during aquatic exercise. It consists of a molded plastic fenestrated outer shell with an inner rotating disc that can be easily adjusted to alter the surface area of its frontal presentation. By changing the surface area of its frontal presentation a graded, individualized exercise program can be prescribed. A buoyant foam disc has been incorporated into the device to prevent it from sinking to the bottom of the pool. On the basis of this evaluation, performance of this device was judged to be superior to that of other devices for strengthening upper extremity muscles during aquatic exercise.
Arm Injuries↗
Hydrofitness devices for strengthening upper extremity muscles.
Our evaluation of hydrofitness devices for strengthening arm muscles has revealed several important determinants of their performance. Most importantly, the device's frontal projection should be in the shape of a paddle whose surface area can be varied to meet the individual exerciser's needs. Its weight should be light to minimize the inertial forces encountered in charging the velocity of paddle movement. Its handle should have a relatively large circumference without digital profiling. These optimal performance parameters have been recently incorporated into a new hydrofitness device that will be commercially available for aquatic exercise programs for strengthening upper extremity muscles.
Adult↗
A new hydrofitness device for leg musculoskeletal conditioning.
A new leg hydrofitness device has been designed for aquatic exercise. It consists of three separate rectangular-shaped buoyant floats that are positioned around the ankle. A clinical trial indicates its potential value for walking reeducation, strengthening leg muscles, and enhancing joint extensibility.
Biomechanical Phenomena↗
A new porous cohesive support bandage.
A new support bandage has been developed that is cohesive, sticking only to itself without adhering to the skin. It is warpknit product, impregnated with an acrylic compound, that consists of individual panels connected by a hinge stitch. It exhibits moderate extensibility under low loads which allows the health professional to apply the bandage so that it gives firm support to the underlying tissue without constriction. Its macroporous structure permits sufficient water vapor transmission to allow the underlying skin and/or wound to remain dry.
Adhesiveness↗
Bioengineering principles of hydrotherapy.
Hydrotherapy is based on several important bioengineering principles that permit the design and development of aquatic exercise devices, techniques and programs. These principles involve several forces (buoyancy, drag, inertia), hydrostatic pressure and the specific heat of water. By acquiring a knowledge of these bioengineering principles, an individualized exercise program can be prescribed that will enhance physical fitness which is associated with desirable psychological changes.
Biomechanical Phenomena↗