This field combines mechanics, biology, and engineering to understand the physical behavior of biological systems and develop devices or techniques to assist individuals with physical impairments.
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1. Biomechanics
Biomechanics studies the structure and function of biological systems through principles of mechanics. Key areas include:
- Human Movement Analysis: Understanding how forces act on the body during motion, such as walking, running, or lifting.
- Joint Mechanics: Analyzing joint movement and stress to prevent injuries or design better prosthetics.
- Cardiovascular Biomechanics: Studying blood flow and heart mechanics to improve cardiovascular treatments.
- Musculoskeletal Biomechanics: Exploring how bones, muscles, and tendons work together, particularly in injury prevention and sports.
- Injury prevention and performance enhancement in sports.
- Understanding and treating musculoskeletal disorders like arthritis or fractures.
- Designing ergonomic tools and workplace setups to reduce strain.
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2. Rehabilitation Engineering
Rehabilitation engineering focuses on designing and applying assistive technologies to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities or injuries.
Key Areas of Rehabilitation Engineering:
- Prosthetics: Design of artificial limbs that mimic natural movement and function.
- Orthotics: Development of braces or supports to enhance mobility or correct deformities.
- Exoskeletons: Robotic devices worn externally to assist in walking or lifting for individuals with paralysis or weakness.
- Assistive Devices: Wheelchairs, walkers, and hearing aids to improve daily life.
- Neuromuscular Rehabilitation: Electrical stimulation techniques to restore movement in paralyzed muscles.
3. Robotic Applications in Rehabilitation
Robotic systems are increasingly used in rehabilitation to assist patients and improve outcomes:
- Robotic Arms and Hands: For patients with spinal cord injuries or amputations.
- Therapeutic Robots: Assist in physical therapy by guiding and supporting movement.
- Robotic Gait Trainers: Help stroke or spinal cord injury patients relearn walking.
- Wearable Technology: Devices like smart orthotics and motion sensors to monitor and enhance physical activity.
- Virtual Reality (VR): Simulated environments for therapeutic exercises, particularly in stroke recovery.
- AI in Rehabilitation: Personalized therapy plans using machine learning to analyze patient progress.
- 3D Printing: Custom prosthetics and orthotics that are affordable and tailored to individuals.
- Designing devices that closely replicate natural movement.
- Improving the affordability and accessibility of assistive technologies.
- Integrating AI and robotics while ensuring user safety and comfort.
- Healthcare: Assisting patients recovering from stroke, spinal injuries, or joint replacements.
- Sports Medicine: Enhancing athletic performance and preventing injuries.
- Aging Population: Addressing mobility and functional challenges in older adults.