Lunch and Learn: FEPSim – New Upper Extremity Rehabilitation Tool

Learn about FEPSim, the comprehensive and portable rehabilitation system utilizing activity simulation to progressively improve strength, endurance, and range of motion.  Built upon the basic motions of flexion, extension, pronation, and supination, the 2-unit FEPSim system allows for complete functional exercise of the upper extremity.  It’s clinical utility in both face-to-face and telehealth settings is unparalleled—explore FEPSim through product demonstration and a Q&A session, and discover why FEPSim is the new gold-standard of upper extremity rehabilitation.

FEPSim is a comprehensive and portable rehabilitation system utilizing activity simulation to progressively improve strength, endurance, and range of motion.  Built upon the basic motions of flexion, extension, pronation, and supination, the 2-unit FEPSim system allows for complete functional exercise of the upper extremity.  Originally developed in partnership with the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital and the University of Alberta, FEPSim was designed to fill a demonstrated clinical need for portable and progressive resistive upper extremity rehabilitative devices.  Designed with the patient’s successful recovery in mind, FEPSim accommodates on-the-go range of motion measurement and emphasizes functional recovery through activity simulation. The eight standardized resistances (~4-24 pounds), built-in protractor, and digital exercise counter offered by FEPSim allow therapists to effectively assess and monitor patient outcomes—as such, FEPSim can be incorporated seamlessly into both patient evaluation and treatment. FEPSim’s reliable quantitative measurements of flexibility, strength, and endurance permit development of more robust plans of care and creation of defensible documentation in face-to-face and telehealth settings.

The tabletop FEPSim system consists of a horizontal unit and a vertical unit, with 12 interchangeable attachments: 2” dowel grips (2), 1.5” dowel grip, doorknob, lever, large lid, faucet knob, small cap, t-handle, key, screwdriver and screw, and wrench and bolt.  The horizontal unit accommodates bilateral exercise while the vertical unit permits weightbearing exercise.  By selecting the appropriate unit and orientation, attachment(s), resistance, and repetitions, FEPSim capitalizes on the creativity of occupational therapists to produce seemingly endless exercise variations for rehabilitation of the upper extremity.

No other product on the market, aside from the BTE, allows for the wide array of activity-based, functional exercise that FEPSim boasts. Furthermore, FEPSim has a clear advantage over BTE, given that it is portable and built upon magnetic power.  The small size of the units (approximately 8 pounds each) and no need for an electrical power supply allows the units to be used effectively in both face-to-face and telehealth settings.  FEPSim need only be attached to a smooth, flat surface and is immediately ready for use.

FEPSim is gaining traction on social media platforms and news outlets—we are confident that FEPSim will grow to be the gold-standard of upper extremity rehabilitation.

Allison Shearer, MOT, OTR/L, CHT
Occupational Therapist
Clinical Advisor and Consultant for KARMED

Allison is an occupational therapist specializing in hand therapy in the Washington, DC area.  She received her Bachelor of Arts in Music and Biology from the University of Virginia in 2009, Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh in 2011, and is currently a PhD candidate in Rehabilitation Science at the University of Alberta, where her research focuses on prevention and management of upper extremity injuries in musicians.

Allison has been working with KARMED as a clinical advisor to test, refine, and further develop the FEPSim devices.  Most recently, she has been trialing use of FEPSim in telehealth.