A Portable Physical Therapy Measurement Device

Summary

During physical therapy, practitioners often use a variety of measurement devices. All existing approaches fail to establish functional range of motion and anthropomorphic measurements through a single portable device. A Tufts University Investigator has developed a tool that is designed to address this significant gap in a practitioner’s ability to easily and accurately obtain necessary measurements through a single tool.

Existing Solutions & Issues

The Rehab Ruler serves as a cost-effective alternative in comparison to the existing devices described below. Further, the Rehab Ruler enables clinicians to bring the tests easily to patients who are fall risks.

• Goniometer: Limited by the inability to measure loadbearing movements and significant deviations in measurements between practitioners.
• Stadiometer: Limited by being a stationary device to only measures a patients’ height.
• Inclinometer: Limited by the single function of measure range of motion.
• Sit and Reach Box: Limited as a stationary device that does not incorporate other anthropomorphic measurements.

Solution

The invention comprises an extendable elongate body with an attached rotatably coupled deployed arm. The Rehab Ruler is a tool that is uniquely positioned to replace the use of multiple devices in a physical therapy setting.

Rehab Ruler Applications

• Joint Range of Motion
• Functional Heel Rise Test
• Wall to Occiput Distance
• Functional Reach Test (seated or standing)
• Multidirectional Reach Test
• Berg Balance Test
• Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale
• Sit and Reach Test
• Height

IP Status: Pending US Patent (16/030,286)