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Using a coordinated team of professionals, including engineers, five sub-projects relating to patient disability were carried out in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor. The mechanical properties of connective tissues (cat tendon) were characterized by visco-elasticity and plastic-like flow. Plastic-like flow proceeded when a critical load was exceeded. Above 44 degrees C. this critical load decreased sharply reaching a minimum at about 49 degrees C., and then increased again. The study on the normal (perpendicular to the interface) forces between the stump and prosthesis in below-knee amputation indicated that, during walking, the peak pressures seldom exceeded 40 psi at any location and that patient discomfort did not correlate well with the pressure magnitudes. For quadriplegic patients (high cervical injuries) the platysma muscle was found to be the best myoelectric control site. A polyvinylchloride gel material was developed, and a number of support devices are now available for patient care.