We only provide here the general research information. For more detailed information contact the Research and Development Directorate of the Mariano Marcos State University.

Research Details

Research Title Safe Ambulation Rehab Using Kawayan Orthopedic Devices (Project SARUKOD)
Researcher(s) Ryan Dean Sucgang, Lyle Van Aldrich Ines, Jose Zafaralla
Research Category Project
Research Status deferred
Duration Feb 01, 2014 to Feb 28, 2015
Commodity Health
Research Site(s)
Source of Fund(s)
Brief Description
Design and fabrication of assistive devices from engineered local bamboo species, with subsequent use by actual patients for testing and evaluation purposes to finally develop a working unit model for patenting and mass production.

The following are the proposed steps to be followed during the conduct of the study:

  1. The researchers, together with other experts, will discuss the plan for the design of the prototype first.
  2. Then, a working model will be fabricated utilizing the e-kawayan machines developed by the University.
  3. After the design and fabrication, the prototypes will be used by a group of users. They will then personally evaluate the ambulatory aid based on durability, ease of use, relative weight compared to the commercial products and cosmesis.
  4. The results from this evaluation will set the tone if another design will be drawn and/or a new prototype will be made. Feedbacks from the first design will be compared with the feedback of the more recent design by the same group who used the prototypes.
  5. The final working model will be presented after the said evaluation, which is a primary step in patent application and mass production in the long run.
Expected Output
It is expected that this study would again explore the versatility of the bamboo as it is applied to health and physical rehabilitation. By this, it is hoped that new and revolutionized equipment using indigenous materials will be crafted for public use, being an alternative to commercial, non-biodegradable gadgets with allergenic (www.physical-therapy.advanceweb.com) and toxic characteristics (www.emedicine.medscape.com).

Significance:

This study will be of great help to different sectors, particularly to those in need of rehabilitation and persons with disabilities (PWD), as they would have another alternative to the many types and designs of ambulatory aids. Also, the e-kawayan thrusts of the University will further expand beyond the usual furniture and gadgets that it was fabricating. Further, this study could open the floodgate for related researches in the context of health and biomechanics through indigenous technology. Growers of bamboo will also be benefited, as well as, those who rely on bamboo for a living. It is in this context that the factor of bamboo mass production will be justified and eventually be realized. Thus, the economic and labor-related impact of this project would further fortify the relevance and importance of this endeavor. Finally, the lowly bamboo will - though this study and project - be able to occupy the spotlight in terms of assistive devices technology which is far from its current status of being in the margins. In the process, placing these types of devices in the mainstream will be accomplished.

Abstract Not Available