The Master's Final Project (TFM), titled “Design and development of a 3D printed tool kit for the prevention and rehabilitation of injuries from repetitive use of the keyboard and mouse,” was supervised by professor Ana Ares Pernas and researcher Florian Michaud. The proposal seeks to leverage the advantages of 3D printing to create ergonomic devices that aid in the mobilization, stretching, and strengthening exercises of the upper extremities.
The project arises in response to the increasingly common problem of discomfort associated with intensive use of computer devices, repetitive movements, incorrect postures, and prolonged efforts. Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and lateral epicondylitis are some of the consequences of these issues.
The developed kit allows for up to six different exercises: hand clenching, single finger flexion, finger extension, single finger extension, wrist roller, and forearm twist. Doralys Torriente Aguilar, the project's author, notes that the devices are designed to facilitate mobilization and strengthening, prioritizing ergonomics, comfort, and ease of use. Additive manufacturing enables designs adaptable to each person's physiology, optimizing resources and reducing costs.
This kit of 3D printed tools was presented on Monday, October 26th, as part of the UDC Saudable's “Healthy October” program. The demonstration took place at the Mechanical Engineering Laboratory in the Workshop Building of the Ferrol Industrial Campus, where attendees could learn about and try the proposed exercises.
