BackgroundPrefabricated orthotic devices are currently designed to fit a range of patients and therefore they do not provide individualized comfort and function. Custom-fit orthoses are superior to prefabricated orthotic devices from both of the above-mentioned standpoints. However, creating a custom-fit orthosis is a laborious and time-intensive manual process performed by skilled orthotists. Besides, adjustments made to both prefabricated and custom-fit orthoses are carried out in a qualitative manner. So both comfort and function can potentially suffer considerably. A computerized technique for fabricating patient-specific orthotic devices has the potential to provide excellent comfort and allow for changes in the standard design to meet the specific needs of each patient.MethodsIn this paper, 3D laser scanning is combined with rapid prototyping to create patient-specific orthoses. A novel process was engineered to utilize patient-specific surface data of the patient anatomy as a digital input, manipulate the surface data to an optimal form using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, and then download the digital output from the CAD software to a rapid prototyping machine for fabrication.ResultsTwo AFOs were rapidly prototyped to demonstrate the proposed process. Gait analysis data of a subject wearing the AFOs indicated that the rapid prototyped AFOs performed comparably to the prefabricated polypropylene design.ConclusionsThe rapidly prototyped orthoses fabricated in this study provided good fit of the subject's anatomy compared to a prefabricated AFO while delivering comparable function (i.e. mechanical effect on the biomechanics of gait). The rapid fabrication capability is of interest because it has potential for decreasing fabrication time and cost especially when a replacement of the orthosis is required.

, +30-210-60.90.880 With growing costs of electricity and concern for the environmental impact of fossil fuels, implementation of eco-friendly energy sources like solar power are rising. The main method for harnessing solar power is with arrays made up of photovoltaic (PV) panels. Accumulation of dust and debris on even one panel in an array reduces their efficiency in energy generation considerably and emphasizes the need to keep the panels' surface as clean as possible. Current labor-based cleaning methods for photovoltaic arrays are costly in time, water and energy usage and lack automation capabilities. In this paper a novel design is presented for the first ever human portable robotic cleaning system for photovoltaic panels, which can clean and maneuver on the glass surface of a PV array at varying angles from horizontal to vertical.

Background and Purpose A virtual reality (VR) augmented cycling kit (VRACK) was developed to address motor control and fitness deficits of individuals with chronic stroke. In this paper we report on the safety, feasibility and efficacy of using the VRACK to train cardio-respiratory (CR) fitness of individuals in the chronic phase poststroke. Methods Four individuals with chronic stroke (47–65 years old and three or more years post-stroke), with residual lower extremity impairments (Fugl Meyer 24–26/34) who were limited community ambulators (gait speed range 0.56 to 1.1 m/s) participated in this study. Safety was defined as the absence of adverse events. Feasibility was measured using attendance, total exercise time, and “involvement” measured with the Presence Questionnaire (PQ). Efficacy of CR fitness was evaluated using a sub-maximal bicycle ergometer test before and after an 8-week training program. Results The intervention was safe and feasible with participants having 1 adverse event, 100% adherence, achieving between 90 and 125 minutes of cycling each week and a mean PQ score of 39 (SD 3.3). There was a statistically significant 13% (p = 0.035) improvement in peak VO2 with a range of 6–24.5 %. Discussion and Conclusion For these individuals post-stroke, VR augmented cycling, using their heart rate to set their avatar’s speed, fostered training of sufficient duration and intensity to promote CR fitness. In addition, there was a transfer of training from the bicycle to walking endurance. VR augmented cycling may be an addition to the therapist’s tools for concurrent training of mobility and health promotion of individuals post-stroke. Video Abstract available (see Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1) for more insights from the authors.