“Arm Booster” or a device for training arm function, designed for bilateral arm exercise through a symmetrical reflex mechanism, intended for patients with stroke. This innovation is the result of research conducted by a team from Thammasat University, led by Assistant Professor Dr. Banyong Rungroungdouyboon, Head of the Center of Excellence in Creative Engineering Design and Development, and a faculty member of the Faculty of Engineering at Thammasat University.
Thailand is rapidly aging, with the elderly population expected to reach 28% in the next decade. To address the growing healthcare needs of this demographic, Thammasat University researchers have developed the “Arm Booster,” an affordable muscle rehabilitation device funded by the Science, Research, and Innovation Promotion Fund (SRIP). While initially designed for stroke patients, the Arm Booster can benefit all elderly individuals by providing high-quality physical therapy and muscle rehabilitation.
However, for stroke patients (which are prevalent among the elderly), approximately 250,000 cases occur annually, and of these, over 70% are left with disabilities. It is essential that they receive urgent and continuous rehabilitative physical therapy; thus, the Arm Booster will immediately enhance their quality of life.
The operational principle of the Arm Booster involves utilizing the functional arm to exercise the impaired arm through a specially designed mechanism that allows the user’s arm to move in various directions, including extending the arm forward (Y-Direction), raising the arm upward (Z-Direction), and spreading the arms sideways (X-Direction). This innovation is equipped with a gaming system to engage users, encouraging prolonged use of the device.
“Arm Booster” incorporates sensor systems in its handles to measure and display the force exerted by each arm in real-time, allowing users to monitor their progress. Unlike traditional rehabilitation methods that often focus on the weaker arm, the Arm Booster encourages simultaneous training of both arms, promoting balanced muscle development and enhancing brain memory of arm functionality.
This innovation from Thammasat University for society is guaranteed to meet high standards, having been awarded the prestigious “Very Good” level of invention by the National Research Council Office (NRCT) under the announcement of the National Research Awards for the fiscal year 2024. It is currently registered for a patent under the name of Thammasat University and has been implemented in 3 healthcare facilities: 1. The Medical and Rehabilitation Center of Bueng Yitho, Bueng Yitho Subdistrict, Thanyaburi District, Pathum Thani Province; 2. Nong Sida Health Promotion Hospital, Nong Saeng District, Saraburi Province; and 3. The Senior Citizens Empowerment Center, Saen Suk Municipality, Mueang Chonburi District, Chonburi Province.
