Concepção de um dispositivo fisioterápico: parapodium mecanizado

This paper presents a proposal to redesign a physical therapy device for patients with quadriplegia, called parapodium. With the help of the Association of Parents and Exceptional Friends of Guaratinguetá, it was possible to know the currently used device and from this it was conceived changes, allowing the increase of freedom of its central portion, in the down and across positions with mechanical drive . This adaptation is to introduce improvements in the routine of physical therapy professionals and reduce ergonomic problems resulting from repetitive strain during the transfer of patients to the parapodium. In addition to providing greater security for patients who require the use of this equipment. The proposed device comprises: wheel, gearbox and brake systems used for actuation, allowing a degree of turning of the rear post, along an axis which is fixed to the gearbox and the rear structure that permits posterior movement. The mechanism allows the rear post rotate from 0 ° to 90 °. The estimated cost to make the proposal is lower than the marketed parapodiuns, reaching the device's functional expectations