Document Detail


The Knee Nook.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  18430682     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Although the effects of a stroke vary, survivors often have limited use of one side of their body. Stroke survivors may wear an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) to prevent their weak foot from dragging and hindering ambulation. Because of the added bulk of an AFO, donning a shoe becomes difficult. The design team, composed of freshman engineering students in the Engineering Design and Communication course at Northwestern University, interviewed stroke survivors to understand the problem and then constructed several prototypes as possible solutions. After stroke survivors tested and critiqued each prototype, the Knee Nook emerged as the most promising. Stroke survivors often place their weak foot on top of their strong knee, similar to the position of crossing one's legs, to allow them to easily reach their foot. Keeping the weak leg in place on the strong thigh while donning the AFO is often difficult. The Knee Nook is a hands-free device that holds the user's leg in this position. The device is placed on top of the user's strong knee and employs a neoprene pad to easily hold the weak leg over the strong knee. This design allows stroke survivors to independently don an AFO and shoe.
Authors:
Carissa Black; Derek Liu; Henry Petrash; Greg Warga
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Topics in stroke rehabilitation     Volume:  15     ISSN:  1074-9357     ISO Abbreviation:  Top Stroke Rehabil     Publication Date:    2008 Mar-Apr
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2008-04-23     Completed Date:  2008-07-08     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  9439750     Medline TA:  Top Stroke Rehabil     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  146-50     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Engineering Design and Communication, Section 9, Team 2, Segal Design Institute, The McCormick School of Engineering at Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Biomechanics
Chicago
Consumer Participation
Equipment Design
Humans
Interviews as Topic
Knee Joint
Orthotic Devices*
Self-Help Devices*
Stroke / rehabilitation*
Survivors
Universities
Walking
Grant Support
ID/Acronym/Agency:
H133B031127//PHS HHS

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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