Development of a domain conceptual model of a temporary myoelectric rehabilitation device for patients with weakened quadriceps.
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This paper presents the development of a temporary rehabilitation device for patients with weakened quadriceps who often have difficulty supplying the knee-extension moments required during common mobility tasks. Majority of the current temporary knee rehabilitation devices are highly mechanical with dependency on manual settings for desired ankle movements. Existing knee support devices that provide an assistive knee-extension moment are large and heavy, with power supplies that generally do not last long. A wearable myoelectric device that provides a knee-extension-assist moment was designed to aid an individual with quadriceps muscle weakness to stand up from a seated position, sit from a standing position, and walk up and down an inclined surface. The generated concept was evaluated on six criteria that is usability, capacity, manufacturability, maintainability, stability and damping effect. The device returns the stored energy from knee flexion as an extension moment during knee extension. OpenSim® was used to determine the design parameters. A simulation model was developed in Autodesk Maya® which validated the functionality of the device and its effects to the user. A novel approach for the prevention of quadriceps tendon strain and rehabilitation of the quadriceps muscles was proposed for carpet layers and floor tillers, the device is however not suitable for athletics.
Authors: Talon Garikayi, Charles Rushambwa
Institution: Africa University
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7218859711