Electric assistance for the disabled

2001/05/16 Galarraga Aiestaran, Ana - Elhuyar Zientzia

• Elektronika
• Medikuntza

This new tool is placed behind the wheelchair and is connected to a armrest. By means of the electric mechanism, the patient can move the arm back and forward using the strength of his muscles, since the function of the armrest is simply to support the weight of the arm. It is especially beneficial for those who have muscle control but do not have enough strength to carry out their actions, on the one hand because it gives them freedom of movement and, on the other, helps them to train muscles and joints.

The moving arm unites vertical movement by electric force and horizontal movement by muscle force. The prototype was made thanks to the participation of 80 patients and more than 85% of experts have considered it interesting and useful. Now Cambridge engineers are preparing the model to go to market.