Design Of A Passive Hydraulic Simulator For Abnormal Muscle Behavior Replication Jiahui Liang by Jiahui Liang instant download after payment.

Spasticity and rigidity are two abnormal hypertonic muscle behaviors commonly

observed in passive joint flexion and extension evaluation. Clinical evaluation for spasticity and

rigidity is done through in-person assessment using qualitative scales. Due to the subjective

nature of this evaluation method, diagnostic results produced from these clinical assessments can

have poor reliability and inconsistency. Incorrect diagnosis and treatment often result in

worsening of the abnormal muscle behaviors, reducing the quality of life and leading to an

increased cost of healthcare. Several programmable, robotic simulators had been developed to

improve the accuracy of clinical evaluation by providing clinician practical training

opportunities; however none of these training devices are commercially available due to

technical and manufacturing limitations. For this reason, a novel, purely mechanical, hydraulicbased

simulator design was proposed as an alternative approach to abnormal muscle behavior

simulation. The original goal of the project presented in this thesis was to address both spasticity

and rigidity in the elbow joint during flexion; however due to time constraints, the initial

prototype can only mimic spasticity.