Thesis (MScEng (Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / Various ways exist whereby balance abilities of the individual can be assessed.
However, most of these are subjective methods. This thesis strives to demonstrate the
effectiveness of a new device, the Dorsiflexometer that can be used to objectively
assess one’s balance abilities. The Dorsiflexometer was constructed and
mathematically modelled using appropriate simplifying assumptions. After its
construction, the Dorsiflexometer was tested using two experimental set-ups to obtain
raw data. Both these set-ups consisted of the two tiltable platforms equipped with three
load cells each, the bridge amplifiers and the personal computer (PC). The only
difference in the two experimental set-ups is in the type of test that was performed as
well as the bridge amplifiers used. Numerous parameters, such as the radius of
movement and the Lyapunov number can be extracted from the raw data. A computer
program was written to analyse the raw data and present the results in a user-friendly
manner. A new parameter, the Sway Index, was used to obtain a single balance value
for the tested individual. This parameter proved useful in quantifying balance.
An advanced patent search was carried out before the device was constructed. This
was necessary to provisionally patent the device – official application number:
2003/6702.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:sun/oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/2086 |
| Date | 12 1900 |
| Creators | Botha, Jan |
| Contributors | Dobson, R. T., University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering. |
| Publisher | Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | University of Stellenbosch |
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