Vibratory Lumbar Orthosis: An Assistive Device to Improve Balance and Walking Velocity in Old People and Those with Parkinson’s Disease

Background and Objective Vibratory lumbar orthosis is an assistive device that could be used in Parkinson’s disease patients to improve balance and walking velocity. The fundamental function of the orthosis is causing sensory stimulation in the form of mechanical vibration to stimulate lumbar proprioceptors of the patients. This stimulation increases the sensory input that could improve postural condition of the body. Vibratory lumbar orthosis could be used in elderly patients who suffer from balance deficits as well as in Parkinson’s disease. Present study aimed to develop the designing and manufacturing process of the prototype of the vibratory lumbar orthosis and preparing it for industrial production and market entry.Materials and Methods The functionality and applicability of the concept to design and manufacture an orthosis in Parkinson’s disease patients were studied earlier by author that led to confirmation of the concept and fabrication of the prototype of the orthosis. The development process performed based on user center design principles in five sections including laboratory, anthropometry, design, 3D modeling and manufacturing of the pre-commercial sample of the orthosis. Findings The electrical characteristics and circuits of the orthosis were modified and followed by anthropometric and standard analyses based on its target users. Then different designs of the vibratory lumbar orthosis evaluated to find the best for industrial designing and esthetic analysis. The most comfortable and efficient design was selected for belting body of the orthosis.Conclsion At the end of the industrial design section, the 3D model of the final product prepared and the pre-commercial sample manufactured. The final orthosis used by two Parkinson’s disease patients.

کلیدواژه ها:

Orthotic Devices ، Postural Balance ، Walking Speed ، Aged Person ، Parkinson Disease ، Accidental Falls