Supporting the Restoration of Functional Independence
The designed “Board Improving the Functional Efficiency and Sensory Integration Processes of People with Disabilities” is intended to become an important tool for the diagnosis and therapy of the locomotor system. The concept is based on a simple yet compelling premise: maintaining independence is a key aspect of quality of life. For older adults and people with disabilities, the loss of functional ability often means encountering significant barriers to everyday functioning, including the need to rely on others for the simplest daily activities.
– Functional ability is the foundation of our independence. Without it, everyday tasks such as shopping, preparing a meal or climbing the stairs become significant barriers, – explains dr Jolanta Grażyna Zuzda from Bialystok University of Technology. – The most important thing in life is to enjoy everyday living and remain independent. We want to give people a tool that will enable them to avoid constantly relying on the help of their loved ones.
A Carefully Designed Concept
At this stage, the invention exists as a detailed technical design fully described in the patent documentation. According to the design, the interactive device consists of several structural components: a 2 × 1 metre board, a frame, a housing and a base.
The board features eight square touch-sensitive electronic panels, two separate guide tracks, and two LED-illuminated hand-operated sliders designed to help users maintain visual focus on the movement being performed. The therapeutic effectiveness of the device is based on the authors’ Rotational Exercise Programme (REP). Standing or sitting in front of the board, the user moves the sliders along circular tracks incorporating a vertical figure-eight pattern.
Training That Engages the Brain
Although the movement appears simple, it provides a strong stimulus for the nervous system. Rotational movements stimulate the vestibular system and require both cerebral hemispheres to work together.
– Rotational movements recruit substantially more muscle groups than conventional flexion and extension exercises, – explains dr Zuzda, – who has been promoting healthy and active lifestyles for many years. We have also introduced the principle of simultaneous sensory engagement. The board incorporates touch-sensitive panels, lights and audio signals. Executing the movement alone is insufficient. The user must observe the movement, control it visually and respond to the signals. Only then do we effectively stimulate the cerebellum and support cognitive functions, including memory, while improving coordination and sensory integration.
The design incorporates a mechanically adjustable height ranging from 1 to 2 metres, making the exercises suitable for both children and taller adults. Importantly, the housing also includes a specially designed recess for a wheelchair, allowing users with mobility impairments to position themselves close to the board and exercise safely and comfortably.
From Laboratories to Rehabilitation Centres
The granting of the patent by the Polish Patent Office confirms the novelty of the solution. At present, there is no other device on the market that combines rotational movements with such a comprehensive interactive sensory integration programme.
Although the device currently remains at the design stage, its dedicated exercise programme is ultimately intended to help people with disabilities remain active while enhancing memory, divided attention and hand-eye coordination. These benefits are also expected to contribute positively to their social and emotional development.
Potential applications include nursing homes, spa rehabilitation centres, rehabilitation hospitals and schools.
Dr Zuzda also hopes to introduce the concept into public spaces.
– My dream is to create a dedicated outdoor sensory pathway on the campus of Bialystok University of Technology, with this board as one of its key features. It could be used by both our students and staff. Increasing numbers of people, regardless of age, are experiencing problems related to health, stress or memory. We should use science to help one another in our everyday lives, – concludes dr Zuzda.
The co-author of Patent No. 248890 is Prof. José Aurélio Marques Faria from the Faculty of Sport Sciences at the University of Beira Interior (UBI) in Covilhã, Portugal. He is also a researcher at the Research Centre in Sports Sciences, Health and Human Development (CIDESD), based in Vila Real.
The patent grants its inventors the right to license the implementation of the invention. They are currently seeking partners interested in developing a working prototype and supporting its commercial implementation.
Monika Rokicka
🔰 Read the description: Board Improving the Functional Efficiency and Sensory Integration Processes of People with Disabilities in the Bialystok University of Technology Base of Knowledge.
