Development of a Step Prototype for Functional Capacity Tests: Technological Advancement for Rehabilitation. (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND In the field of health engineering, the development of portable ergometric equipment is essential for physical assessment and rehabilitation. These devices are used in clinical and research settings for diagnosis, exercise prescription, and monitoring of signs and symptoms, allowing for the measurement of individuals' functional capacity and cardiorespiratory fitness. OBJECTIVE To develop a step prototype that meets the testing requirements proposed in the literature, integrated with software to facilitate data evaluation and interpretation. METHODS Functional and ergonomic requirements were considered in the creation of the prototype to meet the demands of healthcare professionals and patients. This resulted in a patent registered with the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) under number BR2020150006034, with integration into an Android operating system. The prototype development process included the following stages: (1) material design; (2) assembly of the ergometer; (3) flexibility and adaptability; (4) technology integration; (5) usability and safety. RESULTS The step prototype was developed with an adjustable height in four levels, ranging from 15 cm to 30 cm, and has an overall width of 80 cm. After testing, the internal side of the upper contralateral face of the step base contains a USB card that stores the test data. CONCLUSIONS The developed step can serve as an effective tool for applying various step test protocols, featuring automatic step counting and time recording.