Correction of Scoliosis: Design and Validation of a Constant Force Mechanism

Background: Scoliosis is a three-dimensional abnormal curvature of the spine, with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) being the most common type. Current fusion treatment is highly invasive and removes all mobility of the fused spinal segments. To tackle this problem, non-fusion techniques were developed, that try to correct the abnormal...

Design, fabrication and validation of an ankle-foot orthosis simulator system to optimize mechanical characteristics of AFOs for humans with impaired locomotion

The muscles around the ankle (calf and dorsal flexors) are essential for performing activities in daily life, like walking. Neurological and muscular pathologies, such as stroke, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, muscle atrophy and post-polio syndrome, affect the ability of voluntary muscle control and/or muscle strength of such muscles. This...