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The Design And Development Of A Wrist-Hand Orthosis, Amber Gatto

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Individuals with an incomplete C5-C7 spinal cord injury (SCI) lose grasping abilities but wrist function is almost universally retained. Most rehabilitation techniques apply the tenodesis effect, however, current tenodesis wrist-hand orthoses (WHOs) engage only the thumb and index finger, meaning that only 20% of activities of daily living (ADLs) can be completed.

This study tested the feasibility of a student-designed powered WHO by testing the device on healthy subjects to see if they could complete a variety of ADLs. A simulation software was then used to analyze wrist, thumb, and index finger joint angles. Additionally, an Assistive Technology Survey was …

Simulation Of Hemiparetic Function Using A Knee Orthosis With Variable Impedance And A Proprioception Interference Apparatus, Christina-Anne Kathleen Lahiff

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Individuals with stroke have neuromuscular weakness or paralysis on one side of the body caused by some muscles disengaging and overexciting other muscles. Hyperextension of the knee joint and complete lack of plantar flexion of the ankle joint are common symptoms of stroke. This thesis encompasses the simulation of hemiparetic function using both a knee orthosis with variable impedance, specifically in terms of stiffness and damping, and the Proprioception Interference Apparatus.

The section regarding the knee orthosis with variable impedance focuses on the creation and implementation of a small, lightweight, and adjustable orthotic device to be positioned around the knee …

The Development Of A Prosthetic Training Software For Upper Limb Amputees, Tyler Kayne Sullins

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to develop an intuitive software that aids in the field of prosthetic training and rehabilitation by creating an individualized visualization of joint angles. This software is titled “the prosthetic training software (PTS) for individualized joint angle representation”, and it enables the individualized portrayal of predicted or pre-recorded joint angles. The PTS is an intuitive program for clinicians and prosthesis users that produces an animation of a virtual avatar reflecting the user’s segment lengths and amputation for rehabilitation and training purposes.

The PTS consists of a graphical user interface (GUI) and a 3D visualization of …

An Experimental Study On Passive Dynamic Walking, Philip Andrew Hatzitheodorou

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In this study, a previously designed passive dynamic walker (PDW) is built out of aluminum and plastic. The aim of the study was to produce an asymmetrical PDW and to compare the results to a computer simulation to validate the mathematical model. It also aimed at identifying the limitations of using additive manufacturing to create components for a PDW as well as gain insights on asymmetric systems.

Beginning with a five mass kneed model, parameters were varied to produce up to a nine mass kneed model solution. The nine mass model allows more variability in added mass locations and separates …

The Development Of An Adaptive Driving Simulator, Sarah Marie Tudor

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The ability to drive a car is an important skill for individuals with a spinal cord injury to maintain a high quality of life, particularly their freedom and independence. However, driving with a physical disability often requires the installation of an adaptive driving system to control steering, gas, and braking. The two main types of adaptive driving controls are mechanical and electrical, also known as drive by wire (DBW). DBW controls work by converting electric signals to mechanical actuators. Driving simulators are useful tools for adaptive driving systems because they allow users to test different control devices, to practice driving …

Autonomous Mobility And Manipulation Of A 9-Dof Wmra, William Garrett Pence

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The wheelchair-mounted robotic arm (WMRA) is a 9-degree of freedom (DoF) assistive system that consists of a 2-DoF modified commercial power wheelchair and a custom 7-DoF robotic arm. Kinematics and control methodology for the 9-DoF system that combine mobility and manipulation have been previously developed and implemented. This combined control allows the wheelchair and robotic arm to follow a single trajectory based on weighted optimizations. However, for the execution of activities of daily living (ADL) in the real-world environment, modified control techniques have been implemented.

In order to execute macro ADL tasks, such as a "go to and pick up" …

A Mechanized Horseback Riding Simulator As An Aid To Physical Therapy, Jennifer Lott

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Equine-assisted therapy is a nontraditional form of physical therapy that involves riding horses as a form of rehabilitation. Limited access to these riding programs justifies a need to develop a horseback riding simulator capable of simulating the gaits, bend, and collection of the horse. Research involving the development of horseback riding simulators is limited, but the available research does show promising results in the ability to aid in physical therapy.

A two-dimensional model and simulation was developed using MATLAB. Using the results from the simulation, a horseback riding simulator was designed, fabricated and tested. The physical simulator was capable of …

Development Of A Gis Based Infrastructure Replacement Prioritization System; A Case Study, Brian D. Pickard

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Maintenance, repair, and replacement of transmission mains and distribution system piping is expected to cost approximately $75 billion over the next two decades to ensure that public water systems are capable of providing the United States with safe drinking water. However, there is a significant gap between the funds available and the projected costs of infrastructure replacement or rehabilitation. Infrastructure Management Systems (IMS) have been developed to assist utilities and decision-makers in determining how to allocate resources for infrastructure. This project utilizes theTampa Water Department (TWD) as a case study to develop a tool for prioritizing infrastructure replacement.

TWD is …