Three kinds of externally powered orthoses have been devised for the severely disabled. Each of them is applied to paralysed hands, weakened upper extremities or paralysed legs. The principle of development of these externally powered orthoses was based on simply constructed mechanisms, as well as easy application and control for the severely disabled.
The first externally powered hand splint driven by carbon dioxide gas pressure was designed to improve the function of the paralysed hand mainly due to spinal cord injury. The hand splint permits grasping of an object with the thumb, index and middle finger in a three finger system. The control signal is obtained by chin or foot movement.
The second externally powered balanced forearm orthosis (BFO) driven by means of oil pressure was developed to compensate for functional loss of the upper extremity caused by paralysis or weakened muscles in the shoulder, upper and lower arm except hand and fingers. This BFO was designed to allow the upper extremity to move in both horizontal and vertical directions and to extend or flex the elbow joint firmly, preventing unstable motion. It allows the subjects to perform desk work and feed themselves.
Each of these orthoses was applied to above respective subjects. Practical evaluation has demonstrated their usefulness.
The third electrically powered lower extremity orthosis is described in the next report.

View full abstract

Three kinds of externally powered orthoses have been devised for the severely disabled. Each of them is applied to paralysed hands, weakened upper extremities or paralysed legs. The principle of development of these externally powered orthoses was based on simply constructed mechanisms, as well as easy application and control for the severely disabled.
The first externally powered hand splint driven by carbon dioxide gas pressure was designed to improve the function of the paralysed hand mainly due to spinal cord injury. The hand splint permits grasping of an object with the thumb, index and middle finger in a three finger system. The control signal is obtained by chin or foot movement.
The second externally powered balanced forearm orthosis (BFO) driven by means of oil pressure was developed to compensate for functional loss of the upper extremity caused by paralysis or weakened muscles in the shoulder, upper and lower arm except hand and fingers. This BFO was designed to allow the upper extremity to move in both horizontal and vertical directions and to extend or flex the elbow joint firmly, preventing unstable motion. It allows the subjects to perform desk work and feed themselves.
Each of these orthoses was applied to above respective subjects. Practical evaluation has demonstrated their usefulness.
The third electrically powered lower extremity orthosis is described in the next report.

View full abstract