Research and innovation development of a rehabilitation device for weakness muscular rehabilitation in the elderly and stroke patients.

Research and innovation development of a rehabilitation device for weakness muscular rehabilitation in the elderly and stroke patients.

Thailand currently has large numbers of stroke patients with symptoms of paralysis or weakness on one side of the body or weakness in the arm and leg muscles, which results in problems with control in hand function or fine motor control. The right methods of physical therapy, combined with the application of innovations and medical knowledge, will help patients quickly recover from illness and return to near-normal or normal living. However, because the availability of the medical devices that assist with the aforementioned recovery is limited and prices are high, the research team focused on the research and development of physical therapy equipment for the forearms, hands and fingers to promote the physical rehabilitation of patients and the elderly in order to improve their mobility and independence. Thus, the research team designed and innovated physical therapy equipment to facilitate physical rehabilitation in elderly and stroke patients with muscle weakness in the arms as follows, Arm Physical Therapy Innovation, A skateboard arm therapy set for patients that can move 0-180 degrees attached to a sliding rail for the movement of the skateboard that has been modified to resist movement and can work in both active and passive modes. Sensor for measuring degrees of movement along with a device to adjust the slope of the equipment table from 0-80 degrees and a device for adjusting the table height by 0-10 centimeters. A display and interface unit with an emergency stop switch. This innovation is focused on physical therapy of the weakened arms of patients through use of repeated learning to facilitate their recovery and rehabilitation for improved flexibility. Patients insert their arms into the sleeve on the physical therapy skateboard. If the patient has sufficient strength, the patient is instructed to practice by moving their arms along the rails of the slider in a semi-circle from 0 to 180 degrees. However, if the patient's arms are not strong enough, the 0-to-180-degree, semi-circular movement of the patient's arms along the rail of the slider will be facilitated by function. Results are measured and displayed on a monitor that shows the duration and number of repetitions performed during physical therapy while the device is in use. After the activity is finished, the device will set off an alert for the convenience and safety of patients.

Associate Professor Teerapath Limboonruang
Innovative Development, Automation System and Sustainability Laboratory (I-DASS Lab), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Srinakharinwirot University, Ongkharak, Nakhornayok 26120, Thailand.

Tel: 081-710-1105
E-mail: teeerapath@g.swu.ac.th
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