title: The biomechanics of standing and balancing in paralyzed people.
abstract: Prolonged immobilization results in several physiological problems. It has been demonstrated that standing exercises can ameliorate many of these problems. Standing exercises can be performed efficiently with the help of functional electrical stimulation (FES). A novel robotic mechanism which aids the unsupported standing of paraplegics, providing balancing exercise has been developed. The balancing strategy is based on voluntary activity of the paraplegic's upper body and artificially controlled stiffness in the ankles.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia.
authors.forename: Tadej
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bajd
authors.forename: Matjaz
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mihelj
authors.forename: Zlatko
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Matjacić
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000842:Ankle / Q000503:physiopathology; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization / Q000009:adverse effects; D007717:Knee / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D010243:Paralysis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors