Design and Construction of a Prototype of an Assisting Device for Arm Exercise

A new portable arm exercise device is presented as a laboratory prototype to assist arm movements in rehabilitation therapies and movement exercises. Unlike the devices currently used, a portable design is proposed, with easy assembly and operational characteristics that enable it to be used by users in the home and in a familiar environment. Sensors are also provided on the rotating crank to validate and monitor the efficiency of the arm exercise. A low-cost prototype is assembled using off-the-shelf components and 3D-printed parts. Design issues are discussed and elaborated on to build a prototype for future laboratory testing using fairly simple experimental methodology. Preliminary testing by one author shows good feasibility of the device. The findings from the experimental results can be summarized as effective smooth-monitored cyclic motion in the crank rotation with limited values for acceleration less than 1 g and for acting user forces less than 22 N. The values detected are significantly lower in the left hand, with the testing subject being right-handed and healthy, without injury to her upper limbs.