Rhythmic mobilisation device for improving mobility of patients with knee pain

Prof. Amy FU Siu-ngo, Associate Director of the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports), Associate Head and Peter Hung Professor in Pain Management in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, and her team developed the Patellar Auto-mobilising Device (PAD) for patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS).

PFPS is a common knee problem that reduces the mobility of the patella (kneecap). Manual rhythmic mobilisation of the patella can help relieve pain through knee distraction (bone separation) and movement.

PAD consists of an air-sealed kneecup, a mini vacuum pump, a control circuit, an elastic garment suspension mechanism and a rechargeable battery that can automate the process of rhythmic mobilisation. The device is worn on the patient’s knee and can be adjusted to create a personalised level of negative pressure that distracts the patellar from the femur (thigh bone). It has various modes for pressure release at different time intervals and under a variety of conditions, and can therefore provide patient comfort in a flexible manner.

PAD was awarded a Gold Medal at the 49^th International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva.