Parallel Bar Platform Advisors: Dr. Robert Couch Christie Van Landingham Team 3 Members: Valerie Futral Becky Schmid Pete Tandy

Background: Equipment Parallel bars are adjustable ambulatory rehabilitation devices Width range: inches Height range: inches Diameter of bars: inches

Patient Use Types of patients using the parallel bar adaptation: Brain/Spinal trauma Multiple trauma Arthritic These patients make up 25-50% of patients that go through rehab at the Stallworth Rehabilitation Hospital

Problem What if the patient cannot bear weight on his wrists? Possible Solution: Platform for forearm weight- bearing

Demands Safe Adjustable Must be able to support weights up to 300 lbs. Able to slide along the bars Must stop when patient needs to Used by patients with different problems Comfortable for patient to use

Wishes Inexpensive Easy to attach Easy to adjust Easy to manufacture Allows therapist to stand anywhere Rugged

Current Status and Ideas Presently, we are conducting a literature search as well as brainstorming and building on current design ideas. These ideas include: Attachment to model top of walker -stability -adjustable at middle Attachment will slide along bars -or- will move on rails alongside the bars

Future Work Explore possible rolling/sliding mechanisms Explore safety features Begin construction of prototype