Future of Engineering

“It’s the circulation problems that are the most difficult for them, and it’s circulation problems that kill them”, says Jan Hoff, a professor of medicine at NTNU.

Paraplegics who are confined to the chairs are susceptible to both mental and physical illnesses such as weight gain, diabetes and heart problems. In order to rouse them out of their sedantary condition a new type of excercise equipment has been developed at NTNU.

The equipment, which was partly developed at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, was first designed for the American actor Christopher Reeve - who himself played Superman in fims.

The Ergys 2 is a stationary training bicycle, where the patient’s legs and feet are strapped to a leg holder and pedals. Electrodes are then fastened to the patient’s thigh and seat muscles, and electrical impulses trigger the muscles to contract and relax. The impulses are computer controlled to guarantee the best possible effect.

Not content with leg excercises, NTNU researchers came up with the arm cycle which is intended for patients who can use their arms without help.

Excercise studies show that paralysed patients experienced an average increase in their oxygen uptake by 25 per cent and in their heart pumping volume by fully 37 per cent – after just eight weeks of training.

Currently researchers are trying to create an unplugged version of Ergys 2 in a wheelchair. Their success would surely have a huge impact on the lifestyle of many patients.

Source - Alphagalileo

Labels: Engineering-Education, innovation