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School of Health Sciences

T-CHAIR: new rehab device to stabilise the trunk while sitting

Research Centre IMES Institute of Mechanical Systems, ZHAW Institute of Physiotherapy

The T-CHAIR is a robotic rehab device for stroke patients to regenerate the trunk musculature and improve balance while sitting. The indispensable kinetic analysis of the 3D movement of the trunk was performed in cooperation with the Institute of Physiotherapy in their movement analysis laboratory. The chair (T-CHAIR) is being developed by IMES Institute of Mechanical Systems and tested in a user-study with the rehabilitation clinic in Valens.
A European follow-up project with partners from Belgium started in December 2017, financed under the EU “Eurostars” programme. Through this, the technology will be further developed and brought to market maturity.

Background and Objective

Until now, robotic rehabilitation after stroke has been used primarily for the upper and lower extremities. There are only a few aids for the regeneration of the trunk and back musculature.
To develop a therapy device to activate and regenerate the trunk musculature while in a sitting position.

Methods and Procedure

A natural 3D kinetics of the sitting position, allowing a physiological movement to mobilise the pelvis and spinal cord, was developed in a movement laboratory analysis. These kinematics are now integrated into the therapy chair.

Results

Together with the rehabilitation clinic in Valens, a user-study using the first prototype will be carried out.

Project Partners

Project Organisation

Publications and reports

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