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Sit-to-Stand Biomechanics and the Design of an Assistive Knee-Ankle- Foot-Orthosis

  • Author / Creator
    Schofield, Jonathon S
  • Sit-to-stand (STS) transfer is a prerequisite for many daily tasks. Literature often assumes symmetrical behavior across the body (bilateral symmetry) during healthy STS. However; little research has been conducted to validate this assumption. Motion analysis was utilized to evaluate STS in 10 healthy males. Asymmetry was found in the peak joint moments (JM) and ground reaction forces. Asymmetry was also characterized over the whole STS movement. This analysis suggested evaluating peak values alone may not fully represent asymmetry present during this movement.
    A knee-ankle-foot-orthosis (KAFO) augments weight bearing in populations with lower extremity weakness by holding the knee extended and ankle neutral. However, this creates complications for users performing STS. A novel KAFO attachment was designed to generate a knee extension moment, thus alleviating these challenges. Testing on an able bodied participant and a finite element analysis indicate the design has the potential to assist KAFO users.

  • Subjects / Keywords
  • Graduation date
    Spring 2013
  • Type of Item
    Thesis
  • Degree
    Master of Science
  • DOI
    https://doi.org/10.7939/R37T3F
  • License
    This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.