Robot-assisted hamstring training.
Contents
Background
The idea for the project emerged through Team Denmark’s desire for a product to test and monitor athletes through the exercise Nordic Hamstring.
Purpose
This paper examines how to use RoboTrainer-Light for robot-assisted hamstring training. The authors developed a prototype for rehabilitation of the hamstring muscles.
Method
The iterative action research method was used to continuously improve the prototype. First a thorough analysis of the anatomy and biomechanics of the hamstring muscles were made. Then the requirements for the RoboTrainer Light were investigated through numerous calculations, to see if the specifications and limitations of the RoboTrainer Light would be an obstacle. The prototype was then developed with these analysis taken into account. Tests of the prototype were carried out on one test subject. Result: The prototype is designed to assist the athlete through the Nordic Hamstring exercise by regulating how much support is needed in specific parts of the exercise, relative to the tendon lever arm and the force-velocity-curve. The prototype uses an input from a strain gauge sensor to estimate the hamstring force. The input from the strain gauge is implemented via Bluetooth. Proportional control from RoboTrainer Lights own regulation system is used for regulation as well as proportional- and integral control, implemented in the program source code.
Conclusion
The prototype provides a smooth and natural movement through the Nordic Hamstring Exercise. The prototype contributes with the posibility to perform the exercise through full range of motion, with eccentric overload, while still being supported through the concentric motion.
Magje13@student.sdu.dk
Catma16@student.sdu.dk
