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Structural design and performance of a rear support walking frame
P J Woollam1, K Miller, N McLeod
1Orthotic Research and Locomotor Assessment Unit, Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic and District Hospital NHS Trust, Oswestry, Shropshire, UK.
Summary
A new composite walking frame offers improved support and strength for patients with lower limb dysfunction, like those with cerebral palsy. This enhanced design allows easier transfers and safer, more continuous walking for users up to 80 kg.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Engineering
- Biomechanical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Rear support walking frames are crucial for patients with lower limb dysfunction, but existing designs present practical challenges, especially for individuals with total-body-involved cerebral palsy.
- Current frames often require multiple carers for transfers and lack sufficient structural integrity for diverse patient needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel composite material walking frame prototype addressing the limitations of existing rear support walking frames.
- To enhance patient mobility, safety, and carer efficiency through improved structural properties and design.
Main Methods:
- Development of a prototype walking frame using composite materials.
- Structural analysis to assess stiffness and strength improvements.
- Patient evaluation to determine the impact on walking continuity and user experience.
Main Results:
- The composite frame demonstrated a 50-100% increase in stiffness in sagittal and coronal planes.
- The frame's strength accommodates patients up to 80 kg, exceeding previous systems by over 100%.
- Patient evaluations confirmed improved continuity of walking and inherent safety through progressive collapse failure mode.
Conclusions:
- The developed composite walking frame prototype successfully addresses practical issues with existing designs, offering enhanced structural performance and safety.
- The prototype's improved strength, stiffness, and ease of use justify further development for production.
- This innovative walking frame has the potential to significantly improve rehabilitation outcomes for patients with severe mobility impairments.