In recent years, the population of older adults (i.e age over 65) will double from 11% to 22% according to statistics from the World Health Organization (i.e WHO).

The impaired gait in older adults is defined as loss of stability and decreased body mass, both of which imply loss of quality of life, while increasing the risk of falling injury. Problems in the skeletal muscle system such as loss of muscle strength affect directly the gait, generating instability. Other problems can be generated due to the circulatory system, generating tingling, cramps, numbness or pain that forces you to stop walking.ad

The assistive devices for gait (i.e Assistive Devices and Mobility Aids, ADMA) allow the movement and mobility of people with reduced abilities to walk, providing additional support of the human body to the ground. Some authors have classified these devices as: fixed and mobile. Fixed devices are made up of parallel bars or handrails and mobile devices that include walking sticks, crutches, and walkers.

Especially, mobile devices allow the gait to be carried out by leaning on the device, so that the patient will have greater stability and balance; as well as autonomy on regular terrain. Likewise, they reduce the risk of complications such as falls and immobilizations, which significantly improves the patient's functionality and in rehabilitation they help reduce pain in the muscles and joints by redistributing weight.

The "Moviclinic" rear walker is made up of a metal frame, equipped with a forearm support and a front safety stop, which provides security for the user and his family. With its rear wheels it allows to direct the element and with its front wheels it regulates the speed. Its obstacle detection system is based on the ultrasound principle, generating an audible alarm when detecting them with two priority levels and the alarm system activated directly by the user. This allows both the user and his family and / or caregiver to have peace of mind at all times. Electronic design is also included.

This article aims to show the design, construction and validation of a support device for elderly patients with gait disturbances called "Moviclinic" based on the application of the "Design Thinking" methodology, Finite Element Analysis (ie FEA) and a technological surveillance analysis in order to make a comparison with current walkers and be able to offer a quality, efficient and affordable product. Finally, the test protocols carried out and the results obtained when testing their operation are reported.

 

 


Design and Construction of a Posterior Walker for Older  Adults \u201cMoviclinic\u201d

Division / Sponsors: 
Aerospace, Bioengineering, Applied Mechanics, Design Engineering Division, Advanced Energy Systems, Manufacturing Engineering Division, Noise Control and Acoustics, Nondestructive Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Prognosis (NDPD), Nuclear Engineering Division, Process Industries Division, Fluids Engineering, Heat Transfer, Materials, Microelectromechanical Systems, Safety Engineering and Risk Analysis, Computers & Information in Engineering


Paper Proceedings: https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/IMECE/IMECE2020/volume/84478

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