Prototype of a Continuous Passive Motion device for shoulder rehabilitation

Abstract

Continuous Passive Motion - CPM - is a therapeutic method that provides fast and safe patient rehabilitation. Considering the fact that the equipment performs the movement along with the patient, who also does it but passively, this treatment procedure can immediately be applied in the postoperative care period. Although this technique makes recovery faster, as strains will be spared from ligaments, muscles and tendons, not all clinics can offer CPM therapy due to its high cost. Bearing in mind the existence of  such equipment that performs the aforementioned motion, the objective of this work was the development and manufacture of a prototype device for continuous passive shoulder movement, with costs reduced to an approximate value of USD$730.00 compared to the average price in the market which is around USD$1510.00. This difference in values would make it affordable for a greater majority of clinics and offices to purchase them and, thus, promote the accelerated timely recovery of the limb after operation, for a larger number of patients, allowing these patients to return to their daily tasks in shorter period of time. For the execution of the prototype, specific mechanical manufacturing methods, such us turning, milling and welding of materials, were applied in order to make the equipment safe and effective, provide comfort for the patient and, above all, make the device affordable for most physiotherapy clinics. The material used for the production was stainless steel, cables, pulleys, tilting automation kit and inductive sensors.