The development of a device for the investigation of dorsiflexion range of the ankle with a capacity to measure pathology, recovery and pharmacological benefit

[摘要] Various ways exist whereby balance abilities of the individual can be assessed.However, most of these are subjective methods. This thesis strives to demonstrate theeffectiveness of a new device, the Dorsiflexometer that can be used to objectivelyassess one's balance abilities. The Dorsiflexometer was constructed andmathematically modelled using appropriate simplifying assumptions. After itsconstruction, the Dorsiflexometer was tested using two experimental set-ups to obtainraw data. Both these set-ups consisted of the two tiltable platforms equipped with threeload cells each, the bridge amplifiers and the personal computer (PC). The onlydifference in the two experimental set-ups is in the type of test that was performed aswell as the bridge amplifiers used. Numerous parameters, such as the radius ofmovement and the Lyapunov number can be extracted from the raw data. A computerprogram was written to analyse the raw data and present the results in a user-friendlymanner. A new parameter, the Sway Index, was used to obtain a single balance valuefor the tested individual. This parameter proved useful in quantifying balance.An advanced patent search was carried out before the device was constructed. Thiswas necessary to provisionally patent the device – official application number:2003/6702.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University