Interface microprocessada para controle e análise do condicionamento físico utilizando um novo ergômetro para cadeirantes

Abstract

According to IBGE’s data from 2010 Census, 7% of the Brazilian population declared having some kind of motor deficiency. Due to mobility reduction, these individuals suffer from other complications such as cardiac problems, obesity, diabetes, shoulder and wrist injuries, among others. Given this, physical activity helps improve health and social inclusion of this population. Based on this necessity, the Mechanical Projects Laboratory and Habilitation/Rehabilitation Center for Paralympic Sports from the Federal University of Uberlândia have been developing prototypes of ergometers for disabled persons. Seeking to improve the prototype, the ergometers third version was designed to obtain new adjustments to the needs of the users and to make use of dedicated electronic control and evaluation systems. One of the main additions is the use of independent electromagnetic brakes for each propulsion rim and the possibility to adjust the structure dimensions through linear actuators electronically controlled. The work in question deals about the development of the new electromagnetic system associated with a new microprocessed interface for analysis and control. Two possibilities for the resistance system were designed, being one using the induction model of Foucault Currents and the other using a DC engine in generation mode. The control system is composed by a set of circuit boards with a central module with microcontroller and peripheral systems for the brakes and actuators. The brake control logic uses a PID algorithm to adjust a PWM that was used to regulate the operation current. The interface developed for the system used Java language and allows realization of aerobic protocols – such as incremental tests – and anaerobic – such as the Wingate test. Tests were performed to validate the designed systems and execution of a few evaluations protocols. Results obtained for the systems designed were satisfactory, indicating that the new microcontrolled interface can be used to data control and analysis for the third version of the wheelchair ergometer.