The Process

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 Amputee Exercise

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Development of Amputee Exercise Machines

Well Here we go.

It started like this………

After an amputation in 1985 and a long time unable to walk effectively I realised the need for something to assist me with maintaining the strength in my stump leg for a number of reasons that I will reveal to you as I write.

 

 

What I’m going to do is take you through the story of how it came about that the Limbar was the machine we developed.

 

1. 1.0 Company Background  

 

1.1 Hydraujoint Vision Statement

 

1.2 Hydraujoint Mission Statement

 You will find the above on the about us page

2.0 Aims and Objectives of Project

Starts Below at “The Proposal”

2.1 My Personal Background

You will find this as we go

2.2 Overall aim of the Project

The main aim of this project is to assist amputees to recover to a higher level in a shorter time than has been previously available, and then maintain that level of mobility.

2.3 Product Specifications

I will add these in a following post

2.4 Objectives

The main objectives were to collect literature and convince physiotherapists and specialists that amputees needed exercise. that done the main objective now is to gain global parteners to assist with manufacture and distribution.

There is a lot more to add to this story, but obviously I have to keep something to the imagination.

The following is just a few exerts from the “Project Proposal”

Prepared By Mark Dudding a 4th Year Design Student

On Behalf of Hydraujoint Ltd

With Guidance from Massey University

  

The Proposal.

Hydraujoint is a company set up pacifically to manage the research, design, manufacture, assembly, marketing and distribution of exercise equipment, suitable for use by amputees.

 

An amputee since 1985, I started this company when I found that there was no equipment to help with the rehablation of amputees.

I took a number of steps in order to turn my idea into a product and I would like to share some of them with you.

 

I believe all companies should stand for something so I prepared a business plan.

Right Below Knee Amputee Strengthens Residual Limb

1.1 Hydraujoint Vision Statement

The motive of Hydraujoint Ltd is to assist Amputees to achieve a higher quality of life.

Our aim is to:

Make rehabilitation equipment available for all amputees.

Reduce muscle wastage, Increase strength and improve circulation in amputees.

Shorten recovery period for accident victims.

 
1.2 Hydraujoint Mission Statement

“We aim to reduce muscle wastage while increasing strength and mobility to improve quality of life for amputees.”

2.1 Background

When a person gets a lower limb amputated they can experience muscle problems right up the body for the rest of their life.

Amputees experience muscle shrinkage in some of the muscles around the amputation resulting in total loss of the use of that muscle.

Exercising the mussels above the amputation may reduce muscle shrinkage and the effects of the muscle problems up the body.

Exercising the muscle above the amputation will also increase circulation and therefore reducing the likelihood of second amputations and may reduce phantom pains.

2.2 Overall aim

Is to develop an exercise device that can be used by below knee (transtibial) amputees to reduce, stop or reverse muscle wastage and reduce the loss of strength caused by the amputation

If time allows the product or range of products could also be developed to be used by above the knee (transfemoral) for the same reasons

2.3 Product Specifications

Product specifications will be developed from the results of Allen Walmsley’s and my own research.

 

Concept Statements

Following the Literature Review Prepared by Professor Alan Warmsley, you can view this at http://www.hydraujoint.com/index_files/literaturereview.htm a report outlining the requirements of any said machine to aid amputees with the problems identified in the initial review was drawn up.

The following is made up from exerts of that report.

1. The exercise device operates normally when being used by a trans-tibial amputee.

2. The exercise device offers resistance exercise to the hip flexor, hip extensor, hip abductor, knee flexors and knee extensors. (Separately or in combinations)

3. The exercise device provides a range of resistance levels that can be adjusted by the operator.

4. The exercise device changes resistance through the range of motion so there is less resistance at the ends of the motion.

5. The exercise device can be used by the operator while he/she is standing up.

6. The exercise device can by trans-tibial amputees with there artificial leg on or off.

7. The exercise device accommodates people of different sizes.

8. The exercise device is comfortable when being used with an amputees stump.

9. The exercise device is affordable.

10. The exercise used the minimal of space.

There were a few other criteria’s to be met, but we will keep those to ourselves for now.

To view demonstration, see our site www.hydraujoint.com

Written by by Hydraujoint Ltd For the latest in Amputee Exercise Equipment and Mobility Aids