Showing papers on "Stair climbing published in 1997"

Self-Paced Resistance Training and Walking Exercise in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Effects on Neuromotor Performance

Abstract: Background. Resistance-training intervention studies have demonstrated meaningful health benefits in older adults; however, most have used exercises performed at specific intensities on expensive equipment, which limit their widespread applicability. We tested whether two self-paced, less expensive exercise protocols could be effective and safe for modifying neuromotor performance and functional capacity in community-dwelling adults 65-95 years of age. Methods. One hundred and thirty-one subjects were randomized to a novel resistance training, walking, or control group. Subjects determined their level of resistance or walking intensity (self-paced) on a session-by-session basis. Muscle strength, balance, reaction time, stair climbing speed, and a timed pen pickup task were measured before and after the intervention period. Exercisers met three times per week for 10 months. Results. Significant improvements in tandem stance and single-legged stance with eyes open times and stair climbing speed were seen in both exercise groups. In addition, resistance trainers improved their muscle strength and ability to pick up an object from the floor and reduced the number of missteps taken during tandem walking, and walkers reduced tandem walking time. Controls showed no significant improvement in any variable. Conclusions. The two self-paced exercise protocols were effective at improving neuromotor performance and functional capacity in the study sample and show promise as a safe, effective, cost-efficient, acceptable exercise model for primary and secondary prevention in the general population of community-dwelling older adults.

Rate responsive cardiac pacemaker with tilt sensor

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for pacing a patient's heart at a pacing rate dependent on patient activity and posture particularly during stair climbing. A dual chamber, rate responsive pacemaker for pacing a patient's heart includes at least one DC accelerometer mounted in the pacemaker pulse generator for implantation such that the sensitive axis of the DC accelerometer is sensitive to the effects of gravity during forward lean of the patient characteristic of stair climbing posture. The DC and AC signal outputs of the accelerometer are processed to develop a tilt signal and an activity signal. A target rate control signal is derived from the activity signal dependent on the level of activity. A stair climbing rate is selected for controlling the physiologic pacing rate between a lower and an upper pacing rate in the presence of an activity signal indicative of a patient walking rate and a tilt signal value falling within a tilt window. The target rate control signal is used to control the pacing rate if the activity signal is indicative of faster patient movement, e.g. running, or if the tilt signal is outside the tilt window indicating that the patient is either upright or prone.

Energy cost of stair climbing and descending on the college alumnus questionnaire.

Abstract: In calculating the physical activity index (PAI) on the college alumnus questionnaire, it is assumed that 8 kcal are expended for every 20 steps climbed. This value is equal to an energy cost of 0.40 kcal.step-1. Since it is assumed that subjects climb and descend an equal number of stairs, the total value reflects the energy cost of stepping up (estimated at 0.30 kcal.step-1) and stepping down (estimated at 0.10 kcal.step-1). However, these values appear to be based on theoretical calculations rather than empirical observation. The purpose of this study was to quantify the energy cost of stair climbing and stair descending by measuring oxygen uptake. Twenty subjects performed continuous stair-climbing and stair-descending on an escalator at a stepping rate of 70 step.min-1. Heart rate was monitored by telemetry, and oxygen uptake was measured by the Douglas bag technique from 5 to 7 min. Results showed that the gross energy cost of stair climbing is 8.6 METs, and that of stair descending is 2.9 METs. Thus, for a 70-kg person the gross caloric costs of ascending stairs (0.15 kcal.step-1) and descending stairs (0.05 kcal.step-1) are one-half of the values previously assumed. In conclusion, the algorithm for calculating PAI on the college alumnus questionnaire should be modified to reflect a total cost of 0.20 kcal for going up and down one step. Even more precise estimates can be obtained by adjusting for body weight (going up and down one flight of stairs requires 1.63 MET.min).

How do the elderly negotiate stairs

Abstract: Stair navigation, particularly stair descent, is an extremely challenging and dangerous locomotor task, yet studies suggest that most elderly are unlikely to move to new residences in order to avoid this challenge. The knee and ankle are the key joints where adequate strength and power are required for safe stair descent, and it is not yet clear if sarcopenia in the elderly is likely to result in residual strength below that which is required for successful stair performance. Sensory cues are also critical, and the lack of literature on the specific roles of the various intrinsic and extrinsic factors that affect stair navigation is a clear indication of the need for such research in order to define safer strategies and optimal conditions for elderly individuals to transit between living areas of differing levels.

Stair-climbing vehicle for wheelchair

Abstract: There is provided a stair-climbing vehicle for transporting a wheelchair with a person sitting on. The vehicle comprise a crawler device including a pair of endless belt crawlers disposed on opposite sides of the vehicle; a vehicle body including a driving motor for driving the crawler device to enabling the stair-climbing vehicle to climb up or down a stairway; a load-carrying platform for mounting a wheelchair, said load-carrying platform being provided above the vehicle body capable of pivoting in vertical direction about one end thereof. The load-carrying platform is provided with a inclination sensor. The inclination sensor includes a first inclination sensing element and a second inclination sensing element, each inclination sensing element is a tubular member containing a flowable electrically conductive material and a pair of electrically conductive terminals.

Development of Hi-Grip Crawler using a Deformation of Powder

Abstract: It is desirable to have a mobile robot which can move and perform various tasks on irregular terrain, but current systems are not reliable or adaptable enough for practical use. A traditional method for climbing stairs is to use knobbed tires or tracks which can grip the edge of the stairs. But with this method usually only one knob on each side of the vehicle grips the stairs because the spacing between the knobs does not necessarily coincide with the distance between steps. In this thesis, a new idea crawler is developed for the stair-climbing. Blocks are attached to the face of the crawler-belt and can change shape to match the edge of the steps. Therefore, a large friction force is obtained by the soft deformation of the blocks at every point along the belt. After experimenting with various types of substances, blocks filled with powder were chosen for their desirable deformation characteristics. The results of this stair-climbing experiment prove that this crawler has better reliability than other crawlers when ascending and descending stairs. Also, this crawler can change its posture when climbing stairs or obstacles and this is also used to increase the turning efficiency of the crawler.

Plantar pressure characteristics during stair climbing and descent

Abstract: Plantar pressures were measured during level and stair walking activities using a Holter-type, microprocessor-based, portable in-shoe data acquisition system. Comparisons of level walking to stair climbing peak plantar pressures from seven adult male subjects show significant increases at lateral forefoot sensor sites and significant decreases at all other sensor locations. Maximum rates of pressure change were determined and showed significant increases at nearly all locations during stair descent, with the exception of the heel.

Pacemaker with stair climbing discrimination

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for pacing a patient's heart at a pacing rate dependent on patient activity and posture particularly during stair climbing. A dual chamber, rate responsive pacemaker for pacing a patient's heart includes at least one DC accelerometer mounted in the pacemaker pulse generator for implantation such that the sensitive axis of the DC accelerometer is sensitive to the effects of gravity during forward lean of the patient characteristic of stair climbing posture. The DC and AC signal outputs of the accelerometer are processed to develop a tilt signal and an activity signal. A target rate control signal is derived from the activity signal dependent on the level of activity. A stair climbing rate is selected for controlling the physiologic pacing rate between a lower and an upper pacing rate in the presence of an activity signal indicative of a patient walking rate and a tilt signal value falling within a tilt window. The target rate control signal is used to control the pacing rate if the activity signal is indicative of faster patient movement, e.g. running, or if the tilt signal is outside the tilt window indicating that the patient is either upright or prone.

Self-Paced Exercise and Neuromotor Performance in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of 16 weeks of self-paced resistance training or walking protocols on neuromotor and functional parameters in active, community-dwelling older adults. Twenty-two sequentially recruited older adults were randomly assigned to one of two exercise groups: self-paced resistance training and self-paced walking. Static and dynamic balance, upper and lower extremity reaction times, muscle strength, and stairclimbing speed were measured before and immediately after 16 weeks of exercise. Preliminary data showed that 16 weeks of self-paced. progressive, lower body resistance training improved balance (one-legged stance with eyes open, 68%). reaction time (10%), muscle strength (160%), and stair climbing speed (28%), while a self-paced walking program improved balance (one-legged stance with eyes open, 51%), stair climbing speed (16%), and in certain circumstances muscle strength (25%), in active, community-dwelling older adults.

A Study of the Wheel-Feet Mechanism for Stair Climbing

Abstract: Although wheels are very efficient on flat and tight terrain locomotion, they cannot climb up stairs or even a step. Stairs or steps are the most popular obstacles in outside applications of mobile robots especially in artificial environments.This paper provides a new wheel-feet hybrid mechanism, named as Enhanced Wheel System (EWS), for rough terrain locomotion especially for climbing up stairs or a step. To climb up stairs or a step by the EWS, several ‘feet’ combined on each wheel (named as ‘wheel-feet’) are kept always horizontal by parallel link mechanisms controlled by the servo-mechanism. Some prototype machines with the EWS have been made to show that they are able to run smoothly on flat terrain by wheels and climb up and down stairs using those ‘feet’.In this paper, the authors describe a new prototype machine (EWS-4) with a carrier has been made to certify that the EWS can be used in actual use, carrying about 100[kg] of payload on a carrier. EWS-4 has 4 ‘wheel-feet’ with 4 ‘feet’ in each ‘wheel-feet’, and 4 wheels to run. The specifications of EWS-4 are that 1600[mm] long, 980[mm] wide, 950[mm] high, 1000[mm] of wheel base, 600[mm] of tread and about 200[kg] of weight. Experiments to climb up and down stairs of 150[mm] high and 350[mm] deep, were held successfully carrying about 70[kg] operator and control units.

Rail supporting transducer posts for three-dimensional force measurement

Abstract: Parallel bars supported on transducer posts were designed, instrumented and calibrated to measure three-dimensional (3-D) forces applied to the rails. These instrumented rails were designed for measuring forces applied by paraplegic patients during development and evaluation of functional electrical stimulation (FES) patterns for standing, side stepping, and ascending and descending stairs. The focus of this study was on the adaptation of the system for measuring support forces during stair climbing and descent. The specific problems with crosstalk among the three axes, nonlinearity, and hysteresis were investigated. In this design, the crosstalk between axes was less than 5%, nonlinearity was less than 2% of full scale, and force accuracy was better than 5%.

A stair climbing vehicle for a wheelchair and method of operating a stair climbing vehicle

Abstract: of EP0839705There is provided a stair climbing vehicle (1) for transporting a wheelchair with a person sitting on. The vehicle comprise a crawler device (3) including a pair of endless belt crawlers disposed on opposite sides of the vehicle; a vehicle body (2) including a driving motor for driving the crawler device (3) to enabling the stair climbing vehicle (1) to climb up or down a stairway; a load carrying platform (4) for mounting a wheelchair, said load carrying platform (4) being provided above the vehicle body (2) capable of pivoting in vertical direction about one end thereof. The load carrying platform (4) is provided with a inclination sensor (6). The inclination sensor (6) includes a first inclination sensing element (61) and a second inclination sensing element (62), each inclination sensing element is a tubular member containing a fluid electrically conductive material and a pair of electrically conductive terminals (61a,61b,62a,62b).

Dual-purpose hand cart for going-up stairs, driven by manpower or power

Abstract: The utility model relates to a double-purpose stair climbing cart which can be driven by manpower or mechanical power, which is composed of cart wheels, a cart wheel frame, an axle shaft, a chair frame and a moving mechanism. The moving mechanism is in transmission connection with a shaft (3) by a crank (5) and two sets of chains. The crank drives the chains, the shaft (3) and the cart frame to rotate to enable the cart to move along certain track. An indexing disc (16) with a hole and a holding handle (18) connected with the indexing disc are arranged on the rear side of a chair back of the cart. The moving direction and the speed of the cart are controlled by the holding handle and the crank. A gasoline engine which is started by electricity and a turbine speed reducer are arranged on a bottom frame of a chair seat, and the cart is driven to move by mechanical power via the transmission of gears. The utility model can be used as a chair or used for carrying objects to go up and down on stairs or used on flat land. The utility model is especially suitable for disabled people.

Stair climbing carrier

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a stair climbing carrier which is capable of rolling on the flat ground and also climbing stairs with a baggage to be carried in such a manner that the first and the second connecting means are made to be capable of sliding on and fastening to a carrier body. SOLUTION: A baggage loading platform 4 is made to be movable relative to a carrier frame by making the first and the second slide pipes 45 and 47 slide alone an upper frame 23. These slide pipes 46 and 47 are fastened to some holes 23a selected from a plurality of the holes so that the baggage loading platform 4 is optimumly positioned. On loading a baggage onto the baggage supporting plate 4 with the baggage loading platform 44 inclined, load is concentrated at the front edge of the baggage loading platform 4, while the loading point can be moved relative to the carrier body frame so that the center of gravity of a stairs climbing carrier will deviate, allowing the stable transportation of the baggages.

Hand cart with stair climbing function

Abstract: The utility model relates to a hand cart for walking up and down on stairs, which comprises a frame body, a power device, batteries and a toggle switch, wherein, the power device is composed of a motor, a belt, a block, a driving wheel, two rack bars, a transmission shaft and two chain wheels. The motor is started, and the belt drives the block to force the driving wheel to turn; the rotation of the driving wheel drives the transmission shaft to rotate via the two rack bars to drive the two chain wheels to rotate; two contacting and stopping wheels on the two chain wheels are abutted on the stair surface of a stair to enable the hand cart to make the action of going stairs up and down; on the flat ground, a wheel on the lower end of a frame body can be used for pushing the hand cart to move forward.

Stair climbing vehicle with increased stability

Abstract: The vehicle includes two shafts (2,3) actuating front and rear hubs (4R,L,5R,L) The hubs support front and rear wheels (6,7) The two shafts can rotate in both directions being actuated by two motors (8,9) housed in the vehicle body The vehicle body is also provided with a steering mechanism which controls the front wheels (6a,b) A seat (10) and a control panel (11) are provided on the upper part of the vehicle body The control panel presents a general switch and a lever for controlling the vehicle speed