Development of an Experimental Device Targeting an Elbow Joint to Improve Motor Function Focusing on Touch-pressure Technique

Abstract

Various types of sports conditioning include manual physical therapy such as joint mobilization and massage. In this study, we focused on Touch-pressure technique, an exercise therapy that improves motor function by affecting cutaneous sensory receptors through subtle skin stimulation while moving a joint. We have developed an experimental device for the elbow joint that stimulates the skin with a wide range of intensities and flexes and extends the joint. The skin stimulator has two linear motion mechanisms: one adjusts the direction and stroke of skin stimulation by a timing belt parallel to the skin, and the other adjusts the pressing force against the skin by a ball screw. Load cell is attached to the skin contactor to measure the pressing force against the skin. The joint motion device uses servo motor to control the aluminum frame that supports the arm while holding the wrist. The effects of using this experimental device on motor function indicated that this device will contribute to research the potentials of various manual physical therapies.