Users and Requirements

Main Users of the Design

Stroke Patients: Upon experiencing a stroke, these patients have increased muscle spasticity in their hip adductors, causing a scissor gait, necessitating a device to help them in physical therapy that work towards regaining a correct gait (Appendix C).

People with Brain Trauma (TBI): Similarly to the stroke patients described above, people with brain trauma have had their gait affected due to having less control of their muscles, requiring a device that helps them in physical therapy.

Physical therapists: The device would be used in a physical therapy facility so physical therapists can have better tools for helping the patients described above.

Main Requirements of the Design

Walker/Treadmill Compatibility: The users of this device often work with walkers and treadmills in their recovery process, therefore our device should be compatible with a walker or treadmill (Appendix E).

Strength: Our device must be strong enough to tolerate 250 pounds (Appendix E). Our device will be made for adults and since many patients will have limited control of their muscles, they will need a device that can support their full body weight.

Lightweight: The users have decreased mobility of their body (Appendix C) so our device has to be light enough for a patient to lift and operate easily. The patient must be able to easily move a walker with our device attached so that they can use the walker independently without putting strain on the physical therapist.