Liliana Fontes

The effect of instruction to synchronize over step frequency while walking with auditory cues on a treadmill

Walking to a pacing stimulus has proven useful in motor rehabilitation, and it has been suggested that spontaneous synchronization could be preferable to intentional synchronization. But it is still unclear if the paced walking effect can occur spontaneously, or if intentionality plays a role. The aim of this work is to analyze the effect of sound pacing on gait with and without instruction to synchronize, and with different rhythmic auditory cues, while walking on a treadmill. Firstly, the baseline step frequency while walking on a treadmill was determined for all participants, followed by experimental sessions with both music and footstep sound cues. Participants were split into two groups, with one being instructed to synchronize their gait to the auditory stimuli, and the other being simply told to walk. Individual auditory cues were generated for each participant: for each trial, cues were provided at the participants baseline walking frequency, at 5% and 10% above baseline, and at 5% and 10% below baseline. This studys major finding was the role of intention on synchronization, given that only the instructed group synchronized their gait with the auditory cues. No differences were found between the effects of step or music stimuli on step frequency. In conclusion, without intention or cues that direct the individuals attention, spontaneous gait synchronization does not occur during treadmill walking.

Garment design and engineering for hospital use

Garments used in hospitals play an important role in user’s comfort and health. This paper presents the developments of a patented design technology for medical garments aimed at users, caregivers, and health care providers. Traditional gowns lacking comfort and protection affect the patient’s dignity. Similarly, patients often use their own garments, which are not designed to provide the best comfort and protection if sensing capacity is affected. Additionally, they can interfere with caregivers’ daily tasks. The proposed pajamas consider these needs and allow an effective interaction between patient and caregiver without compromising the person’s self-esteem. The selection of functional textile fibers and the use of seamless production processes allow the design of products advantageous in the prevention of wounds and pressure ulcers, as pressure points are reduced and the micro-climate of the skin is managed in a more effective way, enhancing the levels of sensorial, physiological and ergonomic comfort.