College
College of Engineering and Polymer Science
Date of Last Revision
2024-09-19 12:07:03
Major
Biomedical Engineering
Honors Course
BMEN:492
Number of Credits
2
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2024
Abstract
Injuries to the spinal cord can cause major mobility deficits, paralysis, and even death. Our client is an adult male who has suffered fractures to the C4 and C5 vertebrae resulting in partial nerve damage and loss of mobility in the lower extremities, primarily on the left side. He complains of significant loss of function and frequent falls due to an inability to fully pick-up his left foot and hold his hip in flexion during swing phase of gait. He describes his walking as a "stuttered walk" and frequently complains that his left foot drags and drops during steps. The client's physical therapist has also discussed the issues with his gait being due to the cross-over of his left foot during walking and lack of control in his hip, knee, and ankle. The client currently uses a cane to walk, however, is finding this an insufficient solution as it does not improve his gait. By the end of the academic year, the goal is to design and demonstrate a solution that will provide smooth walking, better positioning of the left leg and foot during swing phase to eliminate early foot contact with the ground that is causing frequent stumbling.
Research Sponsor
Dr. Justin Baker
First Reader
Dr. Lawrence Noble
Second Reader
Dr. B. Audrey Nguyen-Rudy
Honors Faculty Advisor
Dr. Hossein Tavana
Proprietary and/or Confidential Information
No
Recommended Citation
Rentsch, Jenna; Yu, Mackenzie; Antalek, Perry; and Wisniewski, Joseph, "Custom Mobility Aid - Exoskeleton" (2024). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 1872.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/1872