Implementation of integrated instrumentation in assistive technology

Abstract

There are few studies that use integrated evaluation instruments for the design, preparation and adaptation of orthoses that reflect very specifically the physical conditions of the patients. Therefore, the present study aimed the application of integrated instrumentation for the development of assistive technology products for patients of the Psychiatry Institute of Santa Catarina (IPq- SC). As instruments we used infrared thermography, surface electromyography, manual dynamometry and motion capture by inertial sensors, along with a collection protocol established by the team through observation and audiovisual recordings of the activities. As a result, we obtained data suitable for the diagnosis of the physical condition of the patient, requiring some adjustments into the collection process in order to respect the physical and cognitive limitations of the patients. In addition, the collection and the use of data should take into account the appropriate instruments of analysis and the factors that may influence the results.