In today’s physiotherapy landscape, engaging patients can be as important as the exercises themselves. The Theremin Physiotherapy Device marries interactive sensor technology with rehabilitation techniques to create a fun, motivating tool for upper-limb therapy. By translating hand movements into audio and visual feedback, it encourages consistent practice and tracks progress in real time—redefining what a rehab session can look like.
Objective and Inspiration
Our team sought to transform traditional physiotherapy into an interactive experience. Inspired by the theremin’s gesture-based control, we envisioned a device that tracks hand distance and rewards precise movements. After considering RF-based sensing, we pivoted to ultrasonic sensors for their accuracy and range suitability, ensuring our design remains both engaging and clinically relevant.
Core Functional Requirements
The system is built around four pillars: accurate distance measurement up to 60 cm, near-instantaneous audio feedback, dynamic visual cues, and a short-range RF link between remote and main modules. Each requirement was rigorously defined to guarantee smooth, real-time interaction—key for patient engagement and therapeutic efficacy.
Sustainability and Safety
Sustainability guided component selection: low-power ultrasonics, modular enclosures, and 3D-printed parts minimize waste and simplify maintenance. Safety measures—including low-voltage electronics, solder-fume ventilation, and servo-overdrive safeguards—ensure a secure environment for both developers and patients during testing and use.
Methodology Overview
We adopted an iterative build-test approach: prototype individual subsystems on breadboards, verify performance (using oscilloscopes), then integrate. Parallel development of RF communication and theremin-style audio/visual controls allowed rapid debugging. Final integration into 3D-printed enclosures completed our proof-of-concept device.
Conclusion
Chapter 1 lays the groundwork for a device that’s more than a toy—it’s a therapeutic ally. By combining clear objectives, well-defined specs, and a user-centered approach, our Theremin Physiotherapy Device promises to boost patient motivation and streamline rehabilitation routines.