Desenvolvimento de equipamento para estimular a propriocepção utilizando ímãs permanentes

This study developed the Magnetic Proprioceptive Stimulator – MPS at the Technological Federal University of Parana - UTFPR to stimulate, record and quantify the proprioceptive activity of the shoulder joint, using permanent magnets. A pilot study was conducted to investigate the proprioceptive stimulation generated by MPS. The results of this study show that the magnetic and mechanical forces generated by permanent magnets can change the static and dynamic stability of the shoulder joint. The angular changes of the shoulder joint during the stimulation of proprioception were photographed, videotaped and analyzed by vector editing program. The joint movements caused by the action of the magnets were recorded by an optical sensor installed in the MPS and displayed in a graphical interface for analyzing the proprioceptive dynamics. The study concluded that the Magnetic Proprioceptive Stimulator is safe, effective to stimulate proprioception and features high economic viability.