A multi-disciplinary research project on Biomechanics is presented. This paper deals with the preliminary research on the design and realization of innovative cycling road devices which aim to improve both comfort and performance of spinal cord injured (SCI) athletes. The first step along the research path is devoted to the design of an instrumented handbike (HB) allowing to acquire or to estimate mechanical and physiological measurements in both indoor and outdoor performances. Recent studies describe the HB as a promising device which seems to be less straining and more efficient, with respect to wheelchair, not only as a training method but also as an early rehabilitation technique after an acute SCI. Nonetheless, few efforts have been put in addressing some safety and ergonomics issues that affect these vehicles. The final goal of the project is the design of a new concept human powered system for the mobility of disabled people (SCI persons in particular).
TOWARDS AN INTEGRATED SYSTEM FOR THE MOBILITY OF SCI PEOPLE
ROTTENBACHER, CARLO EUGENIO ALESSANDRO;DI PALMA, FEDERICO;GUALEA, MARIA RITA;RAMPONI, ALBERTO;CRISTIANI, ANDREA MARIA;BERTOLOTTI, GIAN MARIO;MIMMI, GIOVANNI;MAGNI, LALO;BOTTINELLI, ROBERTO;LONGA, EMANUELA
2014-01-01
Abstract
A multi-disciplinary research project on Biomechanics is presented. This paper deals with the preliminary research on the design and realization of innovative cycling road devices which aim to improve both comfort and performance of spinal cord injured (SCI) athletes. The first step along the research path is devoted to the design of an instrumented handbike (HB) allowing to acquire or to estimate mechanical and physiological measurements in both indoor and outdoor performances. Recent studies describe the HB as a promising device which seems to be less straining and more efficient, with respect to wheelchair, not only as a training method but also as an early rehabilitation technique after an acute SCI. Nonetheless, few efforts have been put in addressing some safety and ergonomics issues that affect these vehicles. The final goal of the project is the design of a new concept human powered system for the mobility of disabled people (SCI persons in particular).I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
