Spliet, Thijs (2023) Integrating tactile stimulation in knee rehabilitation. Bachelor's Research Project (period 2b), Life Science and Technology.
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Abstract
Numerous studies show that integrating tactile stimulation during rehabilitation benefits the process and improves motor control. Currently, there is a lack of devices for this application. Therefore, this project's aim is to design a device that can simultaneously apply a minimum of two types of perceptive tactile sensations to a patient's knee in a safe and painless manner and can communicate with a rehabilitation game/simulation. A design was selected based on requirements obtained from literature weighted by an Analytical Hierarchal Process involving stakeholders. The design consists of an electromotor, a stroking mechanism, and a force application mechanism. The design is capable of applying light touch, affective touch, and heat flow. A working model of the electromotor has been made and a proof of concept was established for applying an indentation force of 0.4 mN at a stroking velocity of 3 cm/s for optimal stimulation of the low-threshold C-fibres involved in affective touch. Further studies could explore the potential and implications of implementing ultrasound focussing for force application, validate the proof of concept of the design, elaborate on wearability or implement a heating element to apply heat flow at skin temperature.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor's Research Project (period 2b)) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Wilhelm, E. and Roossien, C.C. |
| Degree programme: | Life Science and Technology |
| Thesis type: | Bachelor's Research Project (period 2b) |
| Language: | English |
| Date Deposited: | 30 Jun 2023 09:46 |
| Last Modified: | 30 Jun 2023 09:46 |
| URI: | https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/30192 |
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