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Showing papers on "Stair climbing published in 1999"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The objectives of this study were to measure the strain produced in the anteromedial band (AMB) of the normal ACL during stair climbing in vivo, and to test five subjects with normal ACLs, who were candidates for arthroscopic meniscectomy under local anesthesia.
Abstract: Stair climbing is a closed kinetic chain exercise that is thought to be useful for knee rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction while protecting the graft from excessive strain. The objectives of this study were to measure the strain produced in the anteromedial band (AMB) of the normal ACL during stair climbing in vivo. We have previously shown that the normal AMB strain pattern during knee passive flexion-extension motion is similar to that of an ACL graft immediately after graft fixation. We successfully tested five subjects with normal ACLs, who were candidates for arthroscopic meniscectomy under local anesthesia. AMB strain was measured in vivo using the Differential Variable Reluctance Transducer (MicroStrain, Burlington, VT). The stair climbing activities were performed on a StairMaster 4000PT (Randall Sports Medicine, Kirkland, WA). Two different climbing cadences were evaluated; 80 and 112 steps per minute. Consistent with our previous studies of ACL biomechanics, strain values increased as the knee was moved from a flexed to an extended position. The mean peak AMB strain values for the 80 and 112 steps per minute conditions were 2.69% (+/-2.89&) and 2.76% (+/-2.68%), respectively. These values were not significantly different. Compared with other rehabilitation activities previously tested in the same manner, the AMB strain values produced during stair climbing were highly variable across subjects. High strain values were observed in some patients but not in others.

81 citations


Proceedings ArticleDOI
17 Oct 1999
TL;DR: This work extends the results of Hong S-G et al.'s artificial force reflection method to help the teleoperator even when the robot climbs stairs and develops a simulator to verify the validity and effectiveness of the algorithm.
Abstract: One of the most important issues in the teleoperation is to provide the sense of telepresence so as to conduct the task more reliably. In particular, teleoperated mobile robots need to have some kind of backup system when the operator is blind to the remote situation owing to failure of the vision system. In Hong S-G et al. (see Mechatronics), the idea of artificial force reflection was proposed to enhance the reliability of operation when the mobile robot travels over plain ground. We extend these results to help the teleoperator even when the robot climbs stairs. The extended artificial force reflection method has two modes: traveling on plain ground and climbing stairs. When traveling over plain ground, the force information is artificially generated using range data from the environment while generating the impulse force when climbing stairs. To verify the validity of our algorithm, we develop a simulator which consists of a joystick and visual display system. Through experiments using this system, we confirm the validity and effectiveness of our new artificial force reflection in teleoperated mobile robots.

43 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Level walking and exercises that generated moments with magnitudes comparable to or higher than those obtained during gait could be combined in an exercise program designed to maintain or increase bone mass at the hip.
Abstract: Background and Purpose. Low bone mass of the proximal femur is a risk factor for hip fractures. Exercise has been shown to reduce bone loss in older individuals; however, the exercises most likely to influence bone mass of the proximal femur have not been identified. Net moments of force at the hip provide an indication of the mechanical load on the proximal femur. The purpose of this study was to examine various exercises to determine which exercises result in the greatest magnitude and rate of change in moments of force at the hip in older individuals. Subjects and Methods. Walking and exercise patterns were analyzed for 30 subjects (17 men, 13 women) who were 55 years of age or older (X=65.4, SD=6.02, range=55–75) and who had no identified musculoskeletal or neurological impairment. Kinematic and kinetic data were obtained with an optoelectronic system and a force platform. Results. Of the exercises investigated, only ascending stairs generated peak moments higher than those obtained during level walking and only in the transverse plane. Most of the exercises generated moments and rate of change in moments with magnitudes similar to or lower than those obtained during gait. Conclusion and Discussion. Level walking and exercises that generated moments with magnitudes comparable to or higher than those obtained during gait could be combined in an exercise program designed to maintain or increase bone mass at the hip.

35 citations


Proceedings ArticleDOI
13 Oct 1999
TL;DR: In this paper, hip, knee, and ankle joint powers were computed and compared with level walking data and it was observed that joint power production and absorption significantly depends on the staircase slope.
Abstract: Ten healthy subjects ascended and descended stairs at three different slopes. Ground reaction and kinematic data were measured. Hip, knee, and ankle joint powers were computed and compared with level walking data. It was observed that joint power production and absorption significantly depends on the staircase slope.

32 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The proportions of older patients with the 2 devices who were able to perform the step-on activity for the highest step were the same, indicating that the effects of the rotating-hinge device on gait and stair stepping are similar.
Abstract: We studied 7 younger and 5 older patients who had rotating-hinge total knee replacements, 10 patients who had semiconstrained total knee replacements, and 8 younger and 11 older healthy control subjects to determine the effects of the rotating-hinge device on gait and stair stepping. The younger patients with the rotating-hinge device had few significant differences from the younger control subjects during gait or stair stepping. The older patients with the rotating-hinge device had several significant differences from both the older control subjects and subjects with the semiconstrained device during gait and stair stepping. Nevertheless, the proportions of older patients with the 2 devices who were able to perform the step-on activity for the highest step were the same.

29 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The aim of this study was to identify the compensations made when a child with normal motor control ascends and descends stairs while wearing a solid AFO, and to develop strategies for training patients with motor planning difficulties.

20 citations



Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A trend towards a reduction in the frequency of simple and complex ventricular ectopy was observed during and following exercise, which has not previously been reported in studies of this population.
Abstract: The energy demands of exercise are high in subjects with acute cardiopulmonary dysfunction, and the effects of ambulation as a therapy in subjects following coronary artery surgery have not been examined extensively. This study monitored oxygen saturation (SpO2), heart rate and rhythm continuously before, during and after ambulation and stair climbing (without supplemental oxygen therapy) in the initial period following coronary artery surgery. The timing of each activity was determined using specific clinical criteria. Breathlessness scores and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured after exercise. Significant arterial oxygen desaturation did not occur. During ambulation and stair climbing, mean SpO2 remained greater than 92% and the increase in heart rate did not exceed 20 beats/min. A trend towards a reduction in the frequency of simple and complex ventricular ectopy was observed during and following exercise. This has not previously been reported in studies of this population. No associatio...

16 citations



01 Jan 1999
TL;DR: In this article, a quadruped quadruped robot, the Scout class, is presented, where each leg utilizes only one actuated degree of freedom (as opposed to a typical three) to reduce complexity and cost.
Abstract: A new type of quadruped robot has been developed, the Scout class. Each leg utilizes only one actuated degree of freedom (as opposed to a typical three) to reduce complexity and cost. The design of the first of these robots, Scout I is presented. In modelling Scout, impacts are assumed instantaneous with angular momentum being conserved about the impacting toe. Stance phases are modelled as a double inverted pendulum with one input and a pin joint with the ground. Walking controllers requiring a minimum of sensing are then developed and examined both in simulation and experiments. Small errors in impact modelling coupled with high setpoint sensitivity are found to result in discrepancies. However, despite this stable open loop walking is achieved in all cases examined. Additional behaviors for Scout are presented, including turning, side stepping, sitting and laying down, and step and stair climbing.

7 citations


Patent
27 Jan 1999
TL;DR: In this article, a hand-driven stair climbing bicycle is composed of bicycle frames, toothed caster wheels, a transmission mechanism, a positioning mechanism, and a brake control mechanism.
Abstract: The utility model relates to a toothed wheel, which is driven by a chain A hand-driven stair climbing bicycle is composed of bicycle frames, toothed caster wheels, a transmission mechanism, a positioning mechanism, and a brake control mechanism Two toothed wheels are arranged on the bicycle frames, and eight caster wheels are positioned on the top of the toothed wheel tooth A braking handle and a positioning handle are fixed on the handle The chain wheel is arranged on one side of the handle The power is transferred to a main shaft and the toothed wheels via the chain The utility model has the advantages that the angular position of the vehicle body can be adjusted according to the body height of a user; the position of engagement for the toothed wheels and the stairs can be adjusted according to the needs of different stairs The utility model can prevent the slide of the caster wheel and has the characteristics of high safety and labor saving

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In coxarthrosis and prostheses-bearing patients, all movements are executed more slowly when climbing or descending stairs, so that only small dynamic forces arise.
Abstract: UNLABELLED We investigated the contact forces acting on the sole of the foot of healthy persons and coxarthrosis patients climbing and descending stairs. The sole contact forces were determined using an experimental set-up comprising a stair construction provided with an integrated measuring step. RESULTS In healthy subjects, the forces acting on the soles of the feet while climbing stairs were found to be 1.2 times their body weight. With regard to descending stairs, a distinction must be made between "hard" and "soft" walkers. In the case of "hard" walkers, the forces acting on the soles may be as much as 2.6 times body weight. These forces can be reduced by the wearing of shock-absorbing shoes. CONCLUSION In coxarthrosis and prostheses-bearing patients, all movements are executed more slowly when climbing or descending stairs, so that only small dynamic forces arise. The greatest loads are about 1.2 times the patient's own weight. In these patients, an effective reduction by shockabsorbing footwear is not possible.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The findings suggest that standing distance may be a consideration in stair climbing and that stair height alone may not be sufficient to specify climbability.
Abstract: The purpose of this experiment was to make a preliminary examination of the distance one needs to stand from a stair to successfully climb up without using arms for support. Using an adjustable stair structure to create different heights of risers, a group of 10 tall and of 10 short participants made perceptual judgments and physical attempts at heights that represented 83% and 93% of each group's mean leg length. Choice of maximum and minimum distance from the stair was measured for each participant. Analysis showed that perceptual judgments and physical capabilities were highly correlated (tall: Pearson r = .92); short: Pearson r = .93). Moreover, the ability to climb the two heights depended on the standing distance from the stair. The findings suggest that standing distance may be a consideration in stair climbing and that stair height alone may not be sufficient to specify climbability.

Patent
23 Aug 1999
TL;DR: In this paper, a self-propelled stairs moving unit A 1 moves on stairs, putting a manual wheelchair K on the pallet 7, by driving the front crawler traveling units 1a, 1b and the rear crawler travelling units 2a, 2b wherein right and left are unitedly connected with each other.
Abstract: The self-propelled stairs moving unit A 1 moves on stairs, putting a manual wheelchair K on the pallet 7, by driving the front crawler traveling units 1a, 1b and the rear crawler traveling units 2a, 2b wherein right and left are unitedly connected with each other. When the stairs moving unit A 1 is started to go up to the stairs from the flat face of lower hand, the front crawler traveling unit la relatively gently goes up. Then, the angle between the pallet 7 to be held to be level with the connecting shaft 6 which is rotation center of the traveling unit 1a as its center of oscillation and the line connecting both connecting portions of the support frames 5a connecting the front and rear crawler traveling units 1a, 2a (that is, the self-propelled portion) is slowly changed. When the stairs moving unit A 1 is transferred from the upper end of the stairs to the flat face, the front crawler traveling unit 1a goes over the connecting point 6 of the support frame 5a which is the load center, it is rotated to move in a moment with the connecting shaft 6 as its center from the full line position along the inclined face of the stairs to the chain line position along the flat face, but the pallet 7 is still held to be level with the connecting shaft 6 as its oscillation center. Then, the pallet can be held to be level on the transfer part between the flat face and the stairs as well as on the flat face and the inclined face of the stairs, thereby no fear is given to the person on a wheelchair on the pallet.

Patent
29 Sep 1999
TL;DR: In this paper, a stair climbing cart with a gear frame and a spring rod is described. But the model is not suitable for children. But it has the advantages of smooth and continuous walk, non impact force, low noise and artful structure.
Abstract: The utility model relates to a stair climbing cart. A cart frame, a handle 16 and a spring rod 11 of the utility model are arranged on a gear frame 3. A wheel shaft is connected with a left and a right gear frames and a main wheel 5. The spring rod, a short connecting rod and a long connecting rod are hinged with each other. A push rod 4, a spring, etc. which match with a ratchet wheel and a ratchet pawl are arranged in a sliding slot 15 and the gear frame. The utility model can realize labor-saving stair climb and push on flat land under the driving of the connecting rods, a blocking wheel, the main wheel, an auxiliary wheel, etc. The utility model has the advantages of smooth and continuous walk, non impact force, low noise and artful structure. The utility model is suitable for families.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A partially reclined stair-climbing machine (PRSC) has been designed to provide more comfort and protection to the lower back while providing the same exercise benefits, and there was no significant difference in trend toward increased heart rate on both machines.
Abstract: Lower back discomfort is common among users of standard vertical stair-climbing machines. A partially reclined stair-climbing machine (PRSC) has been designed to provide more comfort and protection to the lower back while providing the same exercise benefits. Ten individuals were recruited to exercise on both machines while their erector spinae electromyographic activity and heart rates were recorded. There was no significant difference (p .05) trend toward increased heart rate on both machines was observed in the women participants. Because of the high incidence of low back pain and injury, we need exercise modalities that provide both cardiovascular and muscul...

Patent
24 Feb 1999
TL;DR: In this paper, the utility model discloses a stair climbing trailer with a simple structure, easy operation and convenient and labor-saving use, which is an ideal stair-climbing trailer for people.
Abstract: The utility model discloses a stair climbing trailer. On the base of a common trailer, a supporting seat, a supporting frame, a movable hinge, small trailer wheels, an elastic ribbon, etc. are additionally arranged to form a stair climbing device. The utility model has the advantages of simple structure, easy operation and convenient and labor-saving use. The utility model provides an ideal stair climbing trailer for people.

Patent
14 Jul 1999
TL;DR: In this paper, a sledge-type stair climbing baby cart is described, which is suitable for being widely used by residents living in buildings and has the advantages of simple structure, convenient stair climb, multiple functions, etc.
Abstract: The utility model relates to a sledge type stair climbing baby cart which is mainly composed of a baby lying bin, a cart handle, a bracket and a sledge type wheel, wherein, the sledge type wheel is composed of a sledge type slide plate, cylindrical rolling balls and a belt, and the bracket is composed of a supporting rod, a hanging rod and a suspension rod. The utility model which can be moved freely on slopes formed by step corners of stairs enables the baby lying bin to be parallel to the ground all along. The utility model has the advantages of simple structure, convenient stair climb, multiple functions, etc. The utility model is suitable for being widely used by residents living in buildings.

Patent
02 Jun 1999
TL;DR: In this paper, a multi-purpose stair climbing trolley with a pedrail and a regulating rod is described, and both ends of the regulating rod are connected with connecting rods to form a triangular bracket.
Abstract: The utility model relates to a multi-purpose stair climbing trolley which comprises a road wheel, a front and a rear crawler wheels and a pedrail. The utility model is characterized in that guide wheels which are connected to a rear leg frame are arranged on the outer side of the front and the rear crawler wheels. A regulating rod is arranged in a position parallel to the pedrail, and both ends of the regulating rod are connected with connecting rods to form a triangular bracket. A transverse movable connecting plate is arranged between a front leg frame and the rear leg frame. A lock hook is arranged on the connecting plate in an inclined way, and a spring is hung on the rear leg frame. A seat plate is fixed on the middle part of the front leg frame transversely, and a folding supporting plate and a handrail frame are fixed on the seat plate by a seat plate pin. A backrest is fixed on the front leg frame, and a foot board is fixed on a wheel shaft. The multi-purpose stair climbing trolley has the advantages of small occupation area and multiple functions, and the utility model not only can transport articles to go upstairs, but also can be sat by people.