Desenvolvimento de uma cadeira inclinável para avaliação da Subjetiva Vertical Postural em pacientes com comprometimento neurológico

Abstract

Deficiencies in postural control hinder a person's ability to maintain balance and body stability, both in movement and in static positions. Individuals with some type of neurological impairment are generally the most affected, with Subjective Vertical Posture (SVP) being a subjective perception that a person has of the verticality of the body of the trunk that is related to the receptors of the spine and the vestibular system, bringing many patients to health centers seeking help and treatment for rehabilitation. The Scientific-Didactic Department of Applied Physiotherapy (DFAP) of the Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM) sees patients with body balance disorders on a daily basis, but the laboratory responsible does not have its own equipment capable of performing the SVP exam. After researching national and international databases of articles and patents on the subject, it was found that the chairs used in the SVP exam do not follow a construction standard, with some having a very simple structure and others quite complex. Considering the issues investigated and the needs of physiotherapy research at UFTM, the present study aimed to develop, build and test a motorized, ergonomically comfortable, easy to operate and transport, relatively affordable chair with a tilting seat that would be capable of safely and reliably performing the SVP examination. For this purpose, operating criteria established by references in the health area and also engineering concepts applied to machine design were used. The mechanical and electrical dimensions resulted in conditions that complied with standards and references, providing comfort and safety for patients and equipment operators. After the complete assembly of the chair, the equipment was tested on 53 individuals from the university's engineering and physiotherapy laboratories. The practical results showed that the angles, speeds and performances of the equipment's structures and components met expectations, evidencing that the chair can be used to examine SVP. The chair had a total production cost of R$3,978.64, and is available to the university to meet its needs and serve as a reference for new studies and initiatives.