ABSTRACT
In this paper, we describe a system for physical therapy patients and practitioners which reduces the stress, pain and embarrassment associated with physical therapy and generates better data for treatment.
1. INTRODUCTION
Hodu is a physical therapy software/hardware system that encourages patients to complete strength and coordination exercises by removing the stigma of failure and enables health professionals to easily track the patient’s progress.
2. HARDWARE
The hardware device uses pressure sensors and accelerometers to measure a patient’s ability to do common physical therapy exercises such as squeezing and wrist rotations and gives visual feedback through led color based on pressure. The key to the system are the sensors which give feedback on even the smallest physical input so the patient receives recognition even if their ability is severely limited, thus building from success not struggling against failure as with conventional spring type strength building devices. (See Figure 1).
3. SOFTWARE
As the patient performs the prescribed exercises the device records the patient’s progress such as the maximum pressure the patient scored, how many times they could squeeze and how many wrist rotations they completed on each arm. See Figure 2). This data which can then be uploaded to the therapist’s website either from the patients home or the doctor’s office. Using this system the patient receives qualitative feedback in the form of different color leds representing strength while the doctor receives more complete quantitative information. (See Figure 3).
4. REFERENCES & CREDITS
http://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2006/May/docs/01features_01.htmhttp://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke/poststrokerehab.htm National Stroke Association, The Stroke Recovery Guide
