The design of a three-wheel bicycle is described which can be used for exercise and locomotion in paraplegic and quadriplegic subjects. This device is constructed from a standard three-wheel bicycle which has been modified with a sensor to show the position of the pedals. The output of the sensor (a 360 deg potentiometer) is read by the A/D converter of a small digital computer carried on the bicycle. The microprocessor system controls stimulation to four key muscle groups to allow locomotion. The speed of the bicycle is controlled with a throttle control as on a motorcycle. The device offers a potentially attractive system for increasing muscle strength and endurance, reducing muscle atrophy, increasing bone density and cardiovascular training in wheelchair bound patients.
Outdoor bicycle for exercise in paraplegics and quadriplegics
Ambulantes Fahrrad fuer Uebungszwecke bei Querschnittlaehmung und Laehmung aller vier Extremitaeten
Journal of Biomedical Engineering ; 5 , 4 ; 292-296
1983
5 Seiten, 5 Bilder, 19 Quellen
Article (Journal)
English
NTRS | 1987
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