Optimization Process of an Innovative Rehabilitation Device based on Pre-Clinical Results

Abstract

Commercially available technical solutions used in physical rehabilitation processes have not responded effectively to the crucial needs of customized rehabilitation programs. As such, a partnership between a nursing school, technological enterprises – ORTHOS XXI and WISEWARE - and engineering institutes was established to implement a project entitled ABLEFIT to overcome the identified lack of technical solutions in the market. ABLEFIT has the main purpose of making available a rehabilitation device in the market that ensures the implementation of physical rehabilitation programs in a controlled and interactive way so that patients can regain their physical, psychological, and social functions as soon as possible. The loss of these capabilities is closely related to Prolonged Immobility Syndrome (PIS), being the morbidity and mortality associated with the complications resulting from prolonged inactivity or even a sedentary lifestyle seen both in the elderly population and in adults and young people with some type of restriction of mobility or disability. This paper describes the optimization process of the ABLEFIT device based on the pre-clinical trials performed. The optimization process starts with the design of an initial prototype, followed by the construction of a second prototype, and finally the planning of an additional iteration, which will involve the construction of a third prototype that will look identical to the version that will be available in the market. The two iterations of the ABLEFIT prototype device developed up to now provide undeniably an advanced solution to support physical rehabilitation, since they combine a biomechanical system to aid physical exercise, in passive and active modes, in bed and a wheelchair, with a control system for monitoring and storing biofeedback variables and motivational stimulus through interaction with gamification. The ABLEFIT device significantly contributes to the reduction of morbidity and mortality associated with complications resulting from prolonged inactivity.