Ergonomic study of a support interface for the Therapheet device in the rehabilitation of the tibiotarsal joint

Abstract

Objective: To analyzed and verify the usability and ergonomic adaptability of a medical device, as well assess its functionality for the purposes of tibiotarsal rehabilitation. Background: Therapheet is a device that uses pneumatic technology to perform tibiotarsal joint rehabilitation exercises in passive mode. This device still has many limitations, has it does not have a suitable chair, nor a proper foot and knee fixation system. Its high mechanical complexity and oversized components make it difficult to perform a functional rehabilitation, moreover pneumatic technology does not seem to be the most suitable for continuous and precise movements. Method: XSens® MTw Awinda technology was used to analyze the movements made by the volunteers. The kinematic analysis kit made it possible to measure the angles and accelerations performed by the dominant foot. Results: There is no combination of the knee and back angle that favors all rehabilitation exercises, so an adjustment adapted to each exercise and each patient will be the most appropriate. Conclusion: The application of ergonomics and anthropometry allowed to fill some gaps in the device, leading to the development of support for the patient’s lower limb and servomotor implementation. Application: Design of a rehabilitation device for the tibiotarsal joint.