DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/5G09-W544

Defense Date

2006

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Biomedical Engineering

First Advisor

Dr. Gerald E. Miller

Second Advisor

Dr. Robert S. Adelaar

Abstract

The projects goal was to create a device to simulate full contact gait in the cadaveric lower extremity. The Contact Gait Simulation System loads specific muscles to recreate anatomical dorsi and plantar flexion of the ankle under axial loading. A system of pneumatic load generation was connected a LabVIEW virtual instrument (VI), which controlled the application of these loads. The loads were roughly based off literature cited EMG data, and further modified from feedback. In addition to controlling the load system, the VI also coordinates external sensor timing. Along with this simulator, software was developed specifically for analyzing pressure data on a large scale. The results showed a plantar pressure scenario very closely associated to live pressure patterns both in timing and load distribution. The system is complete and usable for experimentation; additional calibration of the control programs will lead to the exact mimicking of a select or average gait.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

June 2008

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