An Exploration of Canoeing Action as Therapy for Spinally Injured People

• Main Authors: Catherine Halpin, Annraoi de Paor
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: VSB-Technical University of Ostrava 2004-01-01
• Series: Advances in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Subjects: design; brake; machine; calibrated.
• Online Access: http://advances.utc.sk/index.php/AEEE/article/view/439

This paper outlines the design and building of a kayak machine, for use by person with spinal injury. We designed an eddy current brake to apply varying known torques on the system, which determine the power required by the user to run the machine. The output of an optocoupler circuit, applied to a computer con be calibrated to become a speedometer. The machine is computer controllable, and replicates well the action of kayaking on water. Use of the machine, in the Physiotherapy Departmen at the Nationale Rehabilitation Hospital, is, among other advantages, proving beneficial to a person´s sense of balance. This aspect will become the basis of further research.