| Home | Technology Transfer |
Brief Project Description:
The Tiltcycle is a bicycle ergometer that has been modified to accomodate
persons with lower limb and balance deficits. Its unique seating system adapts
to many disabilities, and it measures and displays pedal forces and lower limb
kinematics for performance feedback. It provides a stable backboard against
which a person can lie flat or be tilted into progressively more vertical
positions. When used as an adjunct to conventional ambulation training, the
Tiltcycle has been shown to be an effective way to improve lower limb strength
and weight-bearing capability. All populations seeking conditioning and
strengthening are viable markets, as well as persons undergoing rehabilitation
from orthopedic, neurological, or cardiovascular problems.
Core Technology:
The essential technology associated with the Tiltcycle involves the unique
seating system that can accomodate persons with a wide range of disabilities.
In addition, pedal forces and lower limb kinematics can be directly measured
and displayed for purposes of providing performance feedback. A new version of
the Tiltcycle will have the added technology of a dual-fly-wheel, and the
capabillity of providing more complex pedaling exercise trajectories.
Specific Technology Transfer Opportunities:
There is a wide range of opportunities for technology transfer. Most generally,
the device can be used as a challenging exercise tool for general conditioning
and strengthening in all populations. More specifically, the device is
well-suited for persons undergoing rehabilitation from orthopedic,
neurological, or cardiovascular problems that have resulted in ambulation
deficits.
Related Work:
The Tiltcycle: A Therapeutic Assessment
and Exercise Device
Use of Bicycle Ergometry in Lower Limb
Movement Deficits
Graded Weight-Bearing Exercise
for Improving Ambulation after Stroke
Design and Fabrication of
"Tilt III" Tilting Cycle Ergometer
For additional information contact Douglas F. Schwandt, MS.
|