Implementation of a mechanical-electronic system for children from 7 to 11 years old with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Abstract

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disease that affects the infant stage and causes progressive muscle weakness, and during the time loses the motor ability to walk. Unfortunately, in Peru, cases of children with this disease have increased. Therefore, the idea is to implement a mechanical-electronic system to assist in the movement or mobility of patients. In the present research work, shows the development of a system with four degrees of freedom, using reducing motors that are manipulated by two joystick modules, controlled by the platform Arduino and the shield motor driver L293D. After the use of the system in the lower extremities of the patient based on a pre-training, it is possible to demonstrate that the system works in real time, besides allowing a exacts movements of the lower extremities.