Diseño y construcción de un mecanismo para ayuda técnica en la marcha de niños con trastorno neuromotor

Abstract

The present document deals with the design and construction of a mechanism for technical assistance in walking of children with neuromotor disorders. Due to the diversity in the symptoms and manifestations of this condition, and depending on its type, the design has been based on the needs and conditions of Álvaro; an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with Dystonic Cerebral Palsy. An introduction is presented about the user's symptoms and how they affect his physical development; also the process of human gait is indicated. As methodology, the concurrent design and adaptive design were used, in order to reduce production costs and adapt the design to the local market. An analysis of the user's walk was made by means of anthropometric measurements with photographs, videos and footprints to make a suitable structural dimensioning and accessories. Based on the study of human walking, and suggestions and medical requirements by Alvaro's therapist, the modules were developed and the mechanisms dimensioned. The construction was carried out, various production processes were used and its costs are detailed. The functional tests were carried out with Álvaro using the walker and their results were verified by photographic and video evidences. These evidences were analyzed in the Smart Tracker software (focused on biomechanics and movement analysis) and Kinovea (video analysis), obtaining trajectory and angle measurements that allowed to compare the march with the proposed technical assistance and without it.