Showing papers on "Stair climbing published in 1995"

[Cinematic in vivo analysis of the knee: a comparative study of 4 types of total knee prostheses].

Abstract: PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The goal of the study was to assess in vivo kinematics for four designs of knee prosthesis during level walking, stair climbing and non weight-bearing flexion-extension. PATIENT AND METHODS 19 patients with unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were included [5 bicruciate sparing prosthesis (BI), 5 posterior cruciate sparing prosthesis with flat tibial polyethylene (PP), 5 posterior cruciate sparing prosthesis with congruent tibial polyethylene (PC), 4 postero stabilised (PS)]. These 19 patients had no prosthesis nor pathological situation in any other joint of the lower limbs. Each of these 19 prosthesis had an HSS score greater than 80 and no radiographic signs of loosening. Magnitudes of the knee rotations (flexion-extension axial rotation valgus-varus) were evaluated with a 6 degrees freedom of motion electromagnetic-goniometer during level walking, stair climbing and non weight-bearing flexion-extension. The magnitudes of the three rotations were recorded for the 19 prosthetic knees and for the 19 controlateral non prosthetic knees of the patients. Reproducibility of the method was also evaluated on 12 healthy subjects by comparison of magnitudes observed during two different recordings. RESULTS Reproducibility was excellent for magnitudes of flexion (r = 0.95/p = 0.0001) and axial rotation (r = 0.55/p = 0.002) but less satisfactory for valgus-varus movements (r = 0.46/p = 0.005). The magnitudes of the three rotations were inferior for TKA in comparison with healthy knees for any activities. By comparison of the 19 prosthetic and non prosthetic knees we recorded smaller magnitudes of axial rotation during swing phase for level and stair climbing and during non weight-bearing flexion extension movements. Between the four kind of prosthesis we observed: greater magnitudes of flexion for BI and PC prosthesis during stair climbing (p < 0.05) and greater magnitudes of flexion for BI PC and PS prosthesis during stair descending (p < 0.05). PC prosthesis instead of a congruent polyethylene tibial plateau had greater magnitudes of axial rotation than non constrained BI prosthesis during stair climbing (p = 0.009). In spite of a high femoro-tibial congruency we recorded axial rotation in PS prosthesis during each activities. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Our method evaluating in vivo knee kinematics was reproducible. These four knee prosthetic designs in spite of a good functional results were unable to reproduce magnitudes of movements recorded in healthy subjects. The small number of prosthesis included in the study prompt us to consider as no definitive the differences observed between the 4 designs. Anyway the influence of design on kinematics should be considered as relative since we recorded axial rotation for all four cruciate substituting prostheses although they had high femoro-tibial congruency. Influence of femoro-tibial congruency and cruciate ligament sparing could be assessed in vivo by means of this reproducible method on a larger population.

Stair climbing elicits a lower cardiovascular demand than walking in claudication patients.

Abstract: Purpose Peripheral arterial disease patients limited by claudication pain frequently have concomitant-cardiovascular problems during exercise, such as hypertension and myocardial ischemia. Thus, for testing and rehabilitation purposes, exercise which elicits lower heart rate and blood pressure at a given metabolic intensity would be preferred over a more demanding task. The purpose of this study was to compare the cardiovascular responses of claudication patients during walking and stair climbing at a similar level of oxygen uptake. Methods Ten patients limited by claudication pain performed treadmill walking and stair climbing tests. Results Oxygen uptake was similar (P > .05) during walking and stair climbing (13.7 vs. 13.5 mL/kg/min, respectively). The times to onset and to maximal claudication pain, as well as the peripheral hemodynamic measurements of ankle systolic pressure, ankle-to-brachial systolic pressure index, and foot transcutaneous oxygen tension were also similar between the two tests (P > .05). However, heart rate, systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, mean arterial pressure, and rate-pressure product values were lower during and following stair climbing than compared to walking (P Conclusion Stair climbing may offer an advantage over treadmill walking for claudication patients because similar metabolic, claudication, and peripheral hemodynamic measurements are obtained with concomitantly less demand placed on the cardiovascular system. The stair climbing test was well tolerated and safely performed by each patient.

Stair-climbing crawler transporter

Abstract: A stair-climbing crawler transporter having a pair of belt supporting units contacting with an inner surface of the belt crawler at a ground contacting section between driving wheels and grounding wheels on both sides, and a jack connected to a bent connecting portion of the belt supporting unit. The belt supporting units are straightly supported by extending a piston rod of the jack on the way of stairs and are bent to form an inverted "V" by retracting the piston rod of the jack when the substantially intermediate portion of the ground contacting section contacts with a corner of the top step of stairs. Thus, the stair-climbing crawler transporter can smoothly ascend and descend stairs without tilting largely.

Powered stair-climbing hoist for e.g. personnel or loads

Abstract: The metal frame (1) carries a geared electric motor, driving the winding drum (9). The frame runs on grooved wheels (3,4), running on the rail (17) which is fixed to the edges of the stair treads. The drum (9) acts on a cable which leads over the pulleys (14,25) and is anchored at the top of the stairs. The outer end of the platform (7) is supported on the three-wheeled star-shaped stair-climber (19). The geared motor (11) is energised at each tread by the wheel (22) on the arm (21) contacting the next riser of the stair, closing a switch is so that the stair climber lifts the platform onto the next tread, when the motor is stopped. Safety brakes are provided.

Domestic multi-purpose hand cart

Abstract: The utility model relates to a domestic multi-purpose handcart capable of driving on flat ground and stairs. The utility model is mainly composed of a handcart box in which a front handrail handle and a back stair climbing wheel, handrail handle are arranged, an assistor which can be slid on the positioning groove of the handcart box, a multiple division stair climbing wheel, a front wheel of a flat ground wheel, a ratchet wheel, a belt, etc. The utility model solves the problem of people living in high-rise buildings of carrying things upstairs. The utility model brings convenience to children, old people, and disabled people at the same time. Time is saved, and labor is saved. The utility model has the advantages of simple manufacturing process and high durability.

Multifunctional caterpillar carriage for moving on stairs

Abstract: The utility model belongs to hand-operated vehicles, particularly a multifunctional caterpillar carriage for climbing up stairs used for carrying people or things up stairs or down stairs. The chassis of the utility model is composed of a carriage wheel on the carriage frame, a caster wheel, and a caterpillar wheel. A bracket of the carriage for children is assembled on the chassis, and a brake, a ratchet wheel mechanism, and a ratchet mechanism are assembled on the carriage handle and the wheel shaft of the caterpillar wheel. When the utility model is in non-use state, the utility model can be assembled with a tea table surface to be used as furniture putting in the room. The utility model solves the disadvantage that the function of the equipment existing in the prior art is single. The utility model has the advantages of stable stair climbing process, comfortable riding, multiple purposes and functions, etc.