Digital photoelasticity is an important segment of optical metrology for stress analysis by digital photographic images. Advances in digital image processing, data acquisition, standard recognition and data storage allow the utilization of computer-aided techniques in the automation and improvement of the digital photoelastic technique. The objective of this study is to develop new techniques using 3D rapid prototyping with transparent resins in digital photoelasticity. Some innovations are proposed (e.g., a tapered roller bearing built with 3D rapid prototyping with transparent resin and the final assembly with the specimens prototyped separately). A metrology study is carried out with the new techniques developed.

Background. Previous studies have suggested that robot-assisted therapy (RT) is effective in treating impairment and that it may also improve individuals participation. Objective. To investigate the effect of RT on the participation of individuals with limited upper limb functioning (PROSPERO: CRD42019133880). Data Sources: PEDro, Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane, AMED, and Compendex. Inclusion Criteria. We selected randomized or quasirandomized controlled studies comparing the effects of RT with minimal or other interventions on participation of individuals with limited upper limb functioning. Data Extraction and Synthesis. Methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the 0-10 PEDro scale, and effect estimates were reported using standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95 confidence intervals (CIs), and the certainty of the current evidence was assessed using the GRADE. Results. Twelve randomized controlled studies involving 845 participants were included. The estimates of medium effects between RT and minimal intervention (MI) at a short-term follow-up were pooled, but there are no short-term effects between RT and OI. Standardized differences in means were as follows: 0.6 (95 CI 0.1 to 1.2) and 0.2 (95 CI -0.0 to 0.4). There were also no effects of additional RT in the short- or medium-term follow-up periods. Standardized differences in means were as follows: -0.6 (95 CI -1.1 to -0.1) and 0.2 (95 CI -0.3 to 0.8). The methodological quality of the included studies potentially compromised the effect estimates of RT. The existing evidence was very low-quality with many confounding variables between studies. Conclusions. For patients with upper limb neurological dysfunction, low-quality evidence supports RT over MI in terms of improving individual participation in the short term. The existing low- to very low-quality evidence does not support RT over OI in either the short- or medium-term follow-up periods with respect to community participation.

This study aims to present the design, selection and testing of commercial ropes (artificial tendons) used on robotic orthosis to perform the hand movements for stroke individuals over upper limb rehabilitation. It was determined the load applied in the rope would through direct measurements performed on four individuals after stroke using a bulb dynamometer. A tensile strength test was performed using eight commercial ropes in order to evaluate the maximum breaking force and select the most suitable to be used in this application. Finally, a pilot test was performed with a user of the device to ratify the effectiveness of the rope. The load on the cable was 12.38 kgf (121.4 N) in the stroke-affected hand, which is the maximum tensile force that the rope must to supports. Paragliding rope (DuPont™ Kevlar ${}^{\circledR }$ ) supporting a load of 250 N at a strain of 37 mm was selected. The clinical test proved the effectiveness of the rope, supporting the requested efforts, without presenting permanent deformation, effectively performing the participant’s finger opening.

Qualis indexed Engineering Journal and Science Journal to publish paper with DOI, NAAS Rating and journal has global recognized indexing