The goal of this project was to design and build a device for students at the Massachusetts Hospital School to use during their gait rehabilitation sessions in the pool. The main objective of the device is to safely provide stability and support to a specified group of students who utilize the buoyant forces of the water to assist their gait training. Other important objectives are to place the students in a correct ergonomic position and adjust to fit multiple sized users. The final design is constructed with 6061 T6 aluminum and consists of a 32.5" by 43" rectangular base with four pairs of wheels attached to the base for movement. The top portion of the device also consists of a rectangular frame with dimensions of 28" by 21". Two stainless steel retractable plungers are used to adjust the height. Stability is achieved by positioning the student so that he or she remains inside the upper rectangle, which is inside the "footprint" of the device at all times. The students also receive support through various accessories such as armrests, handlebars and straps. The stability and support provided by this device make it possible for a group of various sized students to practice walking in a swimming pool.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Bedrossian, Nancy Ann
• Carreau, Kristin L.
• Nawrath, Benjamin Michael

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 00D067M

Advisor

• Hoffman, Allen H.
• Ault, Holly Keyes

Year

• 2000

Sponsor

• Massachusetts Hospital School, Canton, MA

Date created

• 2000-01-01

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biomedical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright