Automated upper extremity progressive resistive exercise system.

This paper describes a semiautomated, motorized skateboard and skate system for use in progressive resistive arm exercises. This experimental system has been evaluated in an occupational therapy clinic for the past two years and found to be valuable in the treatment of impaired upper extremity function. It is superior in function and design to the previously used apparatus and provides the following features: adjustable load (force), adjustable range of motion limits, an automatic method of counting the correct repetitions of the prescribed exercise, the visual feedback to patients regarding their performance. Based on therapists' evaluations, the system's three main advantages are: a decrease in the amount of therapist/attendant time needed for the exercise program, improved performances by the patients, and a better, quantitative measure of the patients' progress.