Forearm Pronation and Supination Round & Round —TR-02

For (With Whom)

People with arm paralysis who want to do rehabilitation of forearm pronation and supination.

Why

An acquaintance of TAKUMI21 who had suffered a stroke originally did rehabilitation of forearm pronation and supination by sitting, laying a non-slip mat on the lap, placing a plastic ball on it and rolling it with the palm. This was made in response to a wish to be able to do this anywhere, more easily, and more effectively.

How

The acquaintance (the user), the home-visit occupational therapist, and I observed the situation together while the acquaintance was doing rehabilitation with a plastic ball. Taking the opinion of the occupational therapist in charge into account, we drew out an image of the desired tool and made rough sketches based on it, repeating this process to give it form. Once a reasonably concrete image had been formed, we repeatedly checked and refined it with 3D images using 3D CAD, and when the desired image had taken shape we made the first prototype with a 3D printer. Everyone monitored this and refined it, and after repeating this process several times we arrived at the current form. It was developed together by the user, the rehabilitation professional, and the maker (me).

Outcome

The range of rehabilitation items has expanded. 1. It uses the weight of the hand and arm to rotate in one direction, then reverses by using the rebound of the twist. Repeating this can help restore forearm pronation and supination function. 2. Pronation and supination of 180 degrees or more is also possible. 3. It is compact, so it can be used seated on the lap or standing on a table. 4. People with weak pronation and supination strength can increase the rotation angle in a comfortable posture by using body movement and momentum, while people with a certain amount of strength can rotate it with the arm extended using only pronation and supination strength.

Materials Used

Main body / handle: PLA

Approximate 3D Print Weight

127g

Print Settings Overview

Main body: Nozzle diameter = 0.6mm , Layer height = 0.3mm, Infill =15% , Temp = 210°C , Speed = 60mm/s, Support = Yes (Everywhere), Handle: same conditions as above plus Brim = 8mm

Accessory Information

Wooden core for reinforcement: φ15 paulownia dowel cut to 70mm and press-fitted into the main body and handle. Double-sided tape for fixing the handle: strong double-sided tape, 10mm wide, cut to 12mm. Non-slip: vinyl chloride cut to 76mm x 220mm. Cushion: foamed polyurethane gap tape, attached with double-sided tape, 4 pieces cut to 76mm (tape width 15mm, thickness 5mm)