268
C.-G. Alionte et al.
Table 1 Values of the
vibration frequency and
applications [10]
Frequency (Hz)
Target
30–50
Muscle relaxation
50
Delayed onset muscle soreness
80–100
Improvement of proprioception
100
Pyramidal spasticity
120
Muscle relaxation
100–120
Pain
200
Strengthening of slow muscle fibers
300
Strengthening of fast muscle fibers
on the inclusion of the entire whole-body vibration (WBV), and the studies are not
focused on a particular zone on the human lower limb.
The first vibration system proposed is located within the mechanical structure
either by introducing liquid into the structure or by placing a system of excitation at
the level of the calf or sole. Performing dynamic combined exercises with vibration
compared to the static position exercises could be beneficial for the musculature.
The combined vibrations and the movement of the lower limb offered by the new
medical recovery system can help the stimulation of the local muscle mass or can
have other purposes as can be seen in Table 1. Information on vibration frequency
and amplitude for the whole-body vibration has also been analyzed in more clinical
studies and applications in treating various health problems [8–12].
2 First Version of the Medical Rehabilitation System
The first system has three control independent systems, as can be seen in Fig. 1a:
1. system 1 for tibia and fibula support which will have a rotation on the knee zone
(D, C, B frame);
A
B
F
E
D
C
G
A
B
F
E
D
C
G
a)
b)
Fig. 1 First version of the medical rehabilitation system: a 3D model; b physical prototype