New Exercise Device Design for People with Paraplegia
From: Medical Design Technology - 05/20/2015

Five Northeastern University student-researchers have retrofitted a rowing
machine with an ingenious device, allowing people with paraplegia to exercise
without the aid of a trainer.

The modified ergometer, dubbed the "power row," was designed for a senior
capstone project under the direction of Sandra Shefelbine, an associate
professor of mechanical and industrial engineering.

Read the entire article at:
http://www.mdtmag.com/news/2015/05/new-exercise-device-design-people-paraplegia

Links:
Shefelbine Lab
http://www.shefelbine.org/

Sandra Shefelbine
http://www.mie.neu.edu/people/shefelbine-sandra

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Rowing Machine Makeover: How PTs and Students Solve a Neuro Challenge
From: Rehab Management - 05/27/2015

Physical therapists at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, spurred
student-researchers at Northeastern University to develop a modified
ergometer that can be used by patients affected by spastic paraplegia to
perform unaided exercise.

The project grew out of a problem-solving meeting between the young engineers
and the physical therapists at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in
Boston. The problem, the physical therapists told the students, was that some
two dozen patients living with a medical condition known as spastic
paraplegia lacked sufficient motor control of their legs to return to the
starting position after taking each stroke on their rowing ergometer.
Trainers had to push patients forward using the handle bar on the back of the
their seat, applying up to 130 pounds of force to overcome their inability to
flex their legs. The solution, both parties agreed, was to design a motorized
device that would allow the patients to exercise in their own homes without a
trainer's assistance.

Read the entire article at:
http://www.rehabpub.com/2015/05/spaulding-pts-spark-students-solution-specialized-ergometer

Links:
The Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department at Northeastern University
http://www.mie.neu.edu/

Shefelbine Lab
http://www.shefelbine.org/