Biomechanics Commons^™

Biomechanics Of Independent Wheelchair Transfer In Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury, Ashleigh L. Fults

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

AbstractIndividuals with a low level spinal cord injury (SCI) at T1 or below must use a wheelchair for mobility and in order to accomplish daily activities, such as using a recreational wheelchair for sports. These individuals must transfer into and out of their wheelchair several times a day. It is most beneficial for the individual to complete these transfers independently, without the help of a caretaker or assistive device. It is important that these transfers be successful and safe, because improper technique can result in a serious injury from a fall or by repeated small damage to the arms and …

Developing Motion Platform Dynamics For Studying Biomechanical Responses During Exercise For Human Spaceflight Applications, Kaitlin Lostroscio

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In future human spaceflight missions, with prolonged exposure to microgravity, resistive and aerobic exercises will be countermeasures for bone loss, muscle loss, and decreased aerobic capacity. Two of the exercises of interest are squats and rowing. The cyclic forces produced during these exercises are at relatively low frequencies which are likely to excite structural resonances of space vehicles. Vibration Isolation Systems (VIS) are being designed to be paired with future exploration exercise devices in order to prevent these cyclic exercise forces from impacting the space vehicle. The VIS may be configured such that a platform supports the human and exercise …

The Development Of A Platform Interface With The Use Of Virtual Reality To Enhance Upper-Extremity Prosthetic Training And Rehabilitation, Ashley D. Knight

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation focuses on the investigation and development of an effective prosthetic training and rehabilitation platform with the use of virtual reality to facilitate an effective process to return amputees to the highest level of independence and functioning possible.

It has been reported that approximately 10 million people live with a limb loss worldwide, with around 30% being an upper-extremity amputee. The sudden loss of a hand or arm causes the loss of fine, coordinated movements, reduced joint range of motion (ROM), proprioceptive feedback and aesthetic appearance, all which can be improved with the use of a prosthesis and proper …