Claysson Vimieiro

A computational model for dynamic analysis of the human gait

Biomechanical models are important tools in the study of human motion. This work proposes a computational model to analyse the dynamics of lower limb motion using a kinematic chain to represent the body segments and rotational joints linked by viscoelastic elements. The model uses anthropometric parameters, ground reaction forces and joint Cardan angles from subjects to analyse lower limb motion during the gait. The model allows evaluating these data in each body plane. Six healthy subjects walked on a treadmill to record the kinematic and kinetic data. In addition, anthropometric parameters were recorded to construct the model. The viscoelastic parameter values were fitted for the model joints (hip, knee and ankle). The proposed model demonstrated that manipulating the viscoelastic parameters between the body segments could fit the amplitudes and frequencies of motion. The data collected in this work have viscoelastic parameter values that follow a normal distribution, indicating that these values are directly related to the gait pattern. To validate the model, we used the values of the joint angles to perform a comparison between the model results and previously published data. The model results show a same pattern and range of values found in the literature for the human gait motion.

Development of an Adaptive KIT for Wheelchair Turning it into an Electric Tricycle

The wheelchair is one of the most used equipment for moving people with motion deficit in the lower limbs. The objective of this work was to design a KIT adaptable to a conventional wheelchair, turning it into an electric tricycle, in order to facilitate the movement of wheelchair users. This KIT enables the adaptive wheelchair travel greater distances in less time, making more quality of life. A structure was designed to fit in a conventional wheelchair, with the aid of CAD tools. This structure is sized to be able to withstand the stresses to which it is submitted. The adaptive KIT presented in this work can be used in a wide variety of models of wheelchairs and is functional, safe, and economically viable.