• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.243-253
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• 1997

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of systolic blood pressure, heart rate and myocardial oxygen consumption on 3-point nonweight bearing ambulation with axillary wooden crutch according to age. The subjects were fifty healty volunteers(22 male, 28 female), ages from 20 to 69(mean age of 43.8 years) with no history of cardiovascular or respiratory disease, diabetes mellitus, arthritis and orthopedic disorder within the past three years. This study was carried out from May 10 to August 10, 1996. The data were analyzed by percentage, mean and standard deviation and ANOVA. The results were as follows : 1. In systolic blood pressure(SBP), there was no significantly change between before walk and after 20 m in crutch walking with age, however, there did differ significantly after 40 m and 60 m in crutch walking(p<0.01, p<0.001). 2. In heat rate(HR), there was no significantly change between before walk and after 20 m, 40 m in crutch walking with age, however, there did differ significantly after 60 m in crutch walking(p<0.05). 3. In myocardial oxygen consumption($MVO_{2}$), there was no significantly change between before walk and after 20m in crutch walking with age, however, there did differ significantly after 40 m and 60 m in crutch walking(p<0.01, p<0.001). These result showed that cardiovascular system had a great effect on the olderly when 3-point nonweight bearing ambulation with axillary wooden crutch. Therefore, when train for axillary crutch in the olderly, we needed suitably basis of walking distance.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.77-84
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• 2020

PURPOSE: This study compared the activities of the trunk muscles during crutch walking to determine which of the crutch length measurements is most beneficial. METHODS: Twenty young women volunteered to participate in this study. After adjusting crutch length, the participants performed a three-point walking with nondominant leg limited in weight bearing. This study used six crutch length measurements: (1) Height-40.6cm, (2) Height'.77, (3) Olecranon-to-finger length, (4) Axillary-toheel length, (5) Arm-span length-40.6cm, and (6) Arm-span length'.77. The EMG activities of the internal oblique (IO), rectus abdominis (RA), multifidus (MF), and erector spinae (ES), muscles on the weight bearing side were monitored using wireless surface EMG. RESULTS: The EMG activities of the RA and ES appeared to be significantly different among the crutch length measurements (p<.05). The post-hoc test showed that the 'Arm-span length-40.6cm' was significantly greater in the RA activity when compared to the 'Height'.77' and 'Axillary-to-heel length' measurements, and in the ES activity when compared to 'Height'.77' measurements. Furthermore, IO/RA and MF/ES ratios showed significant differences among the crutch length measurements (p<.05). In the post-hoc test, significant difference was observed between 'Olecranon-to-finger length' and 'Arm-span length-40.6cm' for the IO/RA ratio, and between 'Height'.77' and 'Olecranon-to-finger length' and between 'Height'.77' and 'Arm-span length-40.6cm' measurement for the MF/ES ratio. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the 'Height'.77' measurement is relatively advantageous to optimize the activities of trunk muscles during the crutch walking, and allow simple measurements of the crutch length.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.179-186
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• 1990

A numerical analysis of crutch walking cycle has been performed to determine the transmissibility of a single-degree-of-freedom crutch system when a non-harmonic periodic forcing function is acting on the spring-damping-mass system. The results indicate that the damping factor which can reduce the forces transmitted to the human body plays an important role. In crutch walking, the stride angle of dynamic crutches must be limited for the comfortable walking.

• The Journal of Korea Robotics Society
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.133-139
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• 2014

This paper proposes a wearable and motorized crutch control system for the patients using the conventional crutches. The conventional crutches have a few disadvantages such as the inconvenience caused by the direct contact between the ground and the armpit of the patients, and unstable gait patterns. In order to resolve these problems, the motorized crutch is designed as a wearable type on an injured lower limb. In other words, the crutch makes the lower limb to be moved forward while supporting the body weight, protecting the lower limb with frames, and rotating a roller equipped on the bottom of the frames. Also the crutch is controlled using the electromyography and two force sensing resistor (FSR) sensors. The electromyography is used to extract the walking intention from the patient and the FSR sensors to classify the stance and swing phases while walking. As a result, the developed crutch makes the patients walk enabling both hands to be free, as if normal people do.

• Design Convergence Study
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.55-70
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• 2018

This study was conducted as a part of long-term project on the development of a set of design guidelines for a crutch as mobility aids for the handicapped in the lower extremity and the suggestion a practical solution for a crutch design. The purpose of this study is to develop a design of a crutch and a set of prototypes that reflects the characteristics of crutch-gait and has a realistic possibility for mass production-based industry. TOGO, a axillary crutch as the result of this study, shows a number of characteristics distinguished from ordinary crutches. These are (1)Minimize the shock associated with planting of the crutch tips by improving the form and structure of crutch tip and axillary pad, (2)Ergonomically designed crutch in accordance with users' body movement while walking on crutches, (3)Easy length control to maximize mobility and maneuverability by changing the cross section of the crutch revolutionary, (4)Minimize possibilities of safety hazards, and (5)Attractive shape of the crutch to keep user self-esteem. The revolutionary crutch derived from this study results has been patented, and the company is seeking to mass-produce and find ways to commercialize it after reviewing the potential problems that may arise in the mass production environment.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.111-113
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• 2004

In neurogenic equinovarus deformity, surgical intervention such as tendon transfer or osteotomy can be expected to improve symptoms. However, in rare cases of hereditary spastic paraplegia, the deformity and paralysis gradually progress. So limited operation and early post-operative rehabilitation are preferred to aggressive operation. We would like to report our clinical experience with one case of hereditary spastic paraplegia patient with reference review. A 40 year-old male, given tendon transfer of ankle and foot and tendo achilles lengthening 10 years ago, complained about aggravated spastic paraplegia which resulted in dynamic equinovarus and limited walking ability since his operation. Family history showed limited walking ability of his father with gradually progressing spastic paralysis and he was diagnosed as hereditary spastic paraplegia type I. We had performed a limited operation such as tendo achilles and tibialis posterior lengthening to induce plantigrade standing and walking with crutch. As a result, the patient was able to maintain a stabilized standing posture and walk after the operation. Hereditary spastic paraplegia presents with a progressive paralysis which limits rehabilitation after tendon transfer, and the symptoms can be aggravated. Therefore, considering potential hereditary neurogenic disorders in paients with equinovarus deformity and performing limited operative procedures seem to be important.

• Journal of Institute of Control, Robotics and Systems
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.393-400
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• 2015

This paper describes the development of a chest-wearable robot that can efficiently perform self walking rehabilitation without a helper. The features of the developed robot are divided into three parts. First, as a mechanical characteristic, the conventional elbow crutch is attached at the forearm. However, the proposed robot is attached to the patient's chest, enabling them to feel free to use their hands and eliminate the burden of the arms. Second, as a characteristic of the driving algorithm, pressure sensors attached to the chest automatically perceive the patient's walking intention and move the robot-leg thereafter. Also, for safety, it stops operating when an obstacle is found in front of the patient by using ultrasonic sensors and generates a beeping sound. Finally, by using the scotch yoke mechanism, supporting legs are moved up and down using a rotary servo motor without excessive torque that is generated by large ground reaction forces. We showed that the developed robot can effectively perform self walking rehabilitation through walking experiments, and its performance was verified using Electromyograph (EMG) sensors.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.41 no.9
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• pp.825-837
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• 2017

This paper describes a novel type of a walking rehabilitation robot that applies robot technologies to crutches used by patients with walking difficulties in the lower body. The primary features of the developed robot are divided into three parts. First, the developed robot is worn on the patient's chest, as opposed to the conventional elbow crutch that is attached to the forearm; hence, it can effectively disperse the patient's weight throughout the width of the chest, and eliminate the concentrated load at the elbow. Furthermore, it allows free arm motion during walking. Second, the developed robot can recognize the walking intention of the patient from the magnitude and direction of the ground reactive forces. This is done using three-axis force sensors attached to the feet of the robot. Third, the robot can perform a stair walking function, which can change vertical movement trajectories in order to step up and down a single stair according to the floor height. Consequently, we experimentally showed that the developed robot can effectively perform walking rehabilitation assistance by perceiving the walking intention of the patient. Moreover we quantitatively verified muscle power assistance by measuring the electromyography (EMG) signals of the muscles of the lower limb.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.133-144
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• 1995

After resection of intraarticular, periacetabulum(P2) and pubic rami(P23) and extraarticular, proximal femur(P2-H12) by Enneking classification, reconstruction is very difficult. We experienced three cases of saddle prostheses for reconstruction after P2, P23, and P2-H12 resection in pelvic malignancies. Case 1 was a high grade chondrosarcoma in 36 year-old-man and P2 resection was done. But he died of disease 19 months after operation. Case 2 was a malignant giant cell tumor in 32 year-old-woman. P23 resection was given and she is disease-free 32 months after operation. Case 3 was an osteosarcoma of 27-year-old-man and P2-H12 resection was performed and he is disease-free postoperative 12 months now. According to MSTS functional evaluatin system, all three patients showed no pain(5), intermediate function(2), emotinally satisfied(3), one cane or crutch supported(1), limited walking(3), and minor cosmetic gait(3). There was no significant complication and no dislocation except intermittent inguinal hernia in case 2. All patients started crutch walking 3 weeks after operation. Around 6 months postoperatively, the preserved iliac wing(P1 component) was hypertrophied enough to endure the full weight bearing. All could have squating and kneeling positions. In conclusion, saddle prosthesis would be a very useful method of reconstruction after P2, P23, and/or H1-2 resection to shorten the operation time and to reduce the infection rate without significant loss of function.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.539-542
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• 2005

Reconstructions of soft tissue defect of the posterior ankle including Achilles the tendon should take into account not only coverage but functional outcome. Various methods of tendon transfer and tendon graft have been reported as a single-stage procedure. With advances and refinements in microsurgical techniques, several free composite flaps including tendon, fascia, or nerve have been used in single-stage reconstructions of large defects in this area minimizing further damage to the traumatized leg. However, when free flap is not feasible for some reasons, this cannot be accomplished successfully. Here we present a patient with Achilles tendon and circumferential large soft tissue defect. Because of circulatory compromise of the lower extremity, free flap reconstruction could not be applied. Instead, cross-leg composite flap of the dorsalis pedis flap including the extensor hallucis brevis musle and tendon, and tendon strips of the Second, third and fourth extensor digitorum logus were employed, Functional reconstruction of the tendon and resurfacing were obtained at the same time. The flap was detached 3 weeks postoperatively, and the transplanted flap has survived without any complications. By 3 months after surgery, full weight bearing, tip-toe standing and even walking without crutch assistance was possible. When functional reconstruction with the free flap is unattainable in the large defect of the posterior ankle including the Achilles tendon, cross-leg composite island flap of dorsalis pedis flap and tendon strips of the extensor digitorum longus tendon is a viable alternative.