Design and fabrication of a test rig for measurement of active stiffness in human wrist

Subject Areas : Information Technology in Engineering Design (ITED) Journal

Asghar soltani mirzaee ¹ , behroz sepehri ²

1 - Department of Mechanical Engineering, Mashhad Branch, lamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
2 - Department of Mechanical Engineering, Mashhad Branch, lamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran

Received: 2017-06-20 Accepted : 2017-06-20 Published : 2014-08-23

Keywords:

Abstract :

Human wrist is one of the most complex joints in human body. It has important role in moreoccupational and daily activities. Due to repetitive activities, generally it faced with variety ofsymptoms and injuries. Measurement of active stiffness of wrist articulation (ASWA) of human handduring quick release movement (QRM) via exertion of maximal voluntary moment (MVM), finally aidto exact assessment of disorders. In this research a test rig was designed and fabricated. It had abilityto measure the maximal voluntary moment of wrist articulation. Test of quick release movement inorder to measure the active stiffness was practicable via measurement of angular displacement andacceleration. Design and manufacturing of device proportionate with test qualification, usage ofmaterials with least of density, usage of exact sensors, least of errors in measurements, least of frictionforce were some of the specifications of the test rig. Tests of validation and repeatability wereperformed by statistics methodology. The device had ability of measurement of total parameters intwo states of flexion and extension of wrist joint .Measurement of wrist joint stiffness in four classes,was one of the most important abilities of the device.