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Synergizing Engineering and Veterinary Science Techniques for Advanced Device Design, Testing, and Assessment in Canine Rehabilitation Therapy

Date

2024-07-16

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

ORCID

0000-0002-9888-7169

Type

Thesis

Degree Level

Doctoral

Abstract

Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) devices have been used to assist physicians conducting human rehabilitation; however, similar machines specific for canine rehabilitation have not been found in the reviewed literature. The lack of this technological tool could directly affect rehabilitation outcomes because it was found that these devices' design to comply full Range of Motion (ROM) could positively affect the recovery of human patients. Consequently, variability produced by the manual implementation of CPM exercises can be reduced by the use of a machine of great precision, improving the effects of the therapy and leading to a faster recovery with better rehabilitation results. This thesis targets the design and preliminary testing of a device to automate and enhance the implementation of passive motion exercises in canines’ stifle joints in terms of accuracy in angular positioning. Even more, the proposed solution will replicate the manual clinical procedure by sensing the force generated by the limb as opposed to the device motion, to avoid any further damage to the joint, while also achieving ROM as much as allowed by the affected joint and by the patient. It has also been considered the relevance of determining the specific conditions where the proposed device could be used. Therefore, this approach began with a literature review and an analysis of the common injuries in the human knee joint. Then, passive motion implementation in some animals is reviewed, focusing mainly on the stifle joint. Finally, this knowledge base is interpolated into canines to determine stifle’s parts of interest and medical conditions. Followed by this review, a physical analysis of the canine stifle is carried out to determine torque requirements and biomechanical components properties. This analysis provided the necessary parameters to build the mechanical and electrical system, so that accurate functional performance is achieved. Similarly, the design of a device that could fit different dog sizes or breeds was properly analyzed and the corresponding considerations were provided. Three prototype versions are presented and explained, which contribute towards the design of a commercial device. Finally, the electromyographic (EMG) signal of the canines was considered as a resource to improve the device’s operation. It was considered as a feedback signal to determine the condition of the muscles while the therapy is in process. A review of EMG signals in canine limbs is included, as well as the use of deep neural models to process these signals in an specific application. Also, the use of EMG signals in this project is discussed, with the limitations for clinical tests.

Description

Keywords

Canine Physical Therapy, Electromyographic Signal Processing, LSTM Model, Deep Learning, CPM Device

Citation

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Department

Biomedical Engineering

Program

Biomedical Engineering

Part Of

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DOI

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