Therapeutic Exercise Device With Adjustable Elastic Straps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Children with arthrogryposis face challenges in improving arm mobility and strength due to limited joint range of motion, and existing therapies like splints and physical therapy can be costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A therapeutic exercise device with a base and adjustable leg members, equipped with elastic straps that can be pulled to improve arm mobility and strength, allowing for independent use with minimal supervision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If professional physical therapy is used to treat children with arthrogryposis, then joint mobility and strength are improved, but treatment cost and time commitment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables children to perform therapeutic exercises independently without requiring constant professional supervision. The self-adjusting mechanism allows the child to automatically regulate resistance based on their strength, making the therapy self-service oriented and reducing time commitment while maintaining effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic resistance adjustment where the resistance automatically adapts to the child's pulling force. This dynamic characteristic ensures that the therapy remains effective across different stages of recovery without requiring manual adjustment by therapists, thereby reducing time consumption
2Reliability
If professional physical therapy is used to treat children with arthrogryposis, then joint mobility and strength are improved, but treatment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By enabling independent use of the device at home, the therapy becomes a self-service activity that eliminates the need for expensive professional therapy sessions, significantly reducing treatment cost while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses simple, inexpensive materials such as elastic bands and basic mechanical components rather than expensive electronic or specialized equipment, making the treatment cost-effective and accessible
3Ease of operation
If children use traditional exercise devices, then arm mobility can be improved, but the devices require complex setup and supervision
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses dynamic elastic bands that automatically adjust resistance based on the child's pulling force, eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms. This dynamic property simplifies the device structure while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The resistance parameter is changed passively through the elastic properties of the bands rather than through active mechanical adjustment. This allows the device to remain simple in structure while providing adaptable resistance that ease s operation for children with varying strength levels
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device enables children and adults to improve joint mobility, strength, and sensorimotor development, making it suitable for home use and reducing the need for costly professional therapies.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic straps can preferably comprise a string of lights that can be activated upon pulling of the straps
Data Source
AI summary
A therapeutic exercise device for improving arm mobility and strength is provided. The device can be used by any person but is particularly helpful for infants who suffer from the disease of arthrogryposis. The device includes a base having a first upright leg member and a second upright leg member. The leg members are height-adjustable. The leg members are joined at their upper ends by an upper crossbar member. Preferably, a pair of elastic straps are coupled to the crossbar. The elastic straps can have handles so the infant can reach up and grasp them. The infant can pull downwardly on handles and move the straps. These exercises help infants to improve their strength, range of motion, and sensorimotor development.