FIDGET CHAIR: therapeutic treatment sitting for bariatric patients

In this thesis project has been realised a concept for a rehabilitative chair for bariatric patient, which purpose is to motivate and introduce movement in the first stage of their rehabilitation path. The request of this project came from the Medical Science Department of “Università di Torino”. The final purpose of this innovative system is to recover mobility and muscle tone and as a consequence the patient should be more aware, motivated and self-confident especially with work out. The product concept came out from a multidisciplinary research such that different areas of engineering and design were involved. The study started from an analysis of obese people in the world, than the focus moved to this health issue in Italy. This first step helped to understand causes that lead to obesity and all the physical and psychological aspects of the target users. In this way, the user-machine interface can be better defined and helped to realise a seat that can be pleasing not only to the eye but also while is used. The next step was to pay attention on movement that can be involved in a seated position. Gym equipment state of art is analysed to better understand which are the most important elements that can be integrated in the chair. Biomechanical elements are also considered to take care about joints and muscular health, such that injury risk can be avoided. This study was integrated with ergonomics and anthropometry to make the seat more comfortable and adaptable to different individuals with different stature always keeping in mind that the users are bariatric patients. A cinematic analysis followed to define the elements needed for the seat and to realize the exercises. Then, indispensable regulations are chosen to make the seat adaptable at each individuals. A possible mathematical model is defined to estimate forces exchanged between patient and the machine. Afterward, a possible pneumatic actuation solution is provided. In the final step, thanks to all the research carried out, a final 3D model is realized paying attention to cover parts of the machine, so the user can be more inclined to seat and perform physical exercises. This phase was necessary, since obese patient is usually not disposed to physical activity.