Adaptive Hydrotherapy Wetsuit

A user-operated wetsuit that allows wearers to change their positions in the water during hydrotherapy with minimal assistance

This user-operated adaptive hydrotherapy wetsuit is for people with limited mobility, in particular paraplegic patients and the elderly. As water can minimize the impact on patients’ joints and muscles during conditioning exercises, hydrotherapy is recommended or users with limited mobility. However, hydrotherapy usually requires the involvement of at least two physiotherapists. This invention enables the wearers to change between an upright position and a supine position in water during hydrotherapy by self-operating the adjustable foam panels. The number of required physiotherapists can thus be reduced to one.

In addition, this wetsuit provides the wearers with maximum comfort through ergonomic design as well as skin-friendly fabrics and accessories.

Special Features and Advantages

Slide/lock system for self-operation
Adjustable foam mechanism to change position from upright position to supine position during hydrotherapy

Applications

Paraplegic patients
The elderly with limited mobility

Award & Patent

Silver Medal - 43rd International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, Switzerland (April 2015)

Patent Application No.:

201510101292.2(PRC)

Principal Investigator

Dr Kristina SHIN

Institute of Textiles and Clothing

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Adaptive Hydrotherapy Wetsuit

A user-operated wetsuit that allows wearers to change their positions in the water during hydrotherapy with minimal assistance