The senior design group in front of the sensory room

Upper Arm Exercise Device with a Physically Activated Switch

Senior Design Team 2002-3
Designers: Valerie Jukuri, Rachel Miller, Riddhi Vyas

Client: Kathy Penegor and Mitzi Marcotte, CCISD
Advisor: Dr. Debra Wright
Link to the National Science Foundation
The sensory room with the door closed

Upper Arm Exercise Device

A student with multiple physical and cognitive disabilities lacks the motivation and interest to exercise her upper extremities. In order to address this problem, a device has been built that targets the upper extremities and provides motivation by activating a device such as a radio while the student is exercising. Since other students will benefit from this device, it is capable of width and height adjustments and is compatible with both wheelchairs and standard chairs.

Impact

Exercise is important to maintain or increase upper extremity strength for independent wheelchair propulsion and transfers. In addition, exercise has positive effects on other health considerations including weight control, cardiovascular health and circulation. It is a challenge however, to motivate this student to actively participate in any exercise program without direct supervision and continual verbal prompts. This is not only unrealistic in a school setting, but also inappropriate as it is a goal for her to gain independence. The new device will motivate her to improve her upper extremity strength and have significant positive effects on her health.
The exercise device is shown with a wheelchair. The client will exercise by moving the lever arms back and forth. If the motion is performed at a speed set by the instructor, then a device (such as lights or music) will be activated.

Funding

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0079969 and/or a Research Experience for Undergraduate supplement. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.