The mechanics undergraduate program and the biomedicine engineering research group in our branch campus in Cuenca donated a stand up device for paraplegics to “Fundación HOPE”.

It is a wheelchair adapted so that patients with cerebral palsy can stand up and not only remain seated, which will help the person improve their blood circulation, activate the circulatory system and heart, activate digestion and improve kidney and liver functions, stretch muscles and prevent contractions, promote hip formation at an early age, increase bone density and reduce the risk of fractures; in the case of children it is also possible to maintain communication at eye level, it favors breathing and language.

The prototype was designed and build by students who were guided by their teachers. The project was financed through a donation of $2,500 made by Peter Locher and Christian Stüzenger. 
 

The university is already working on other midterm projects such as building a crane for moving patients through different areas and an additional electric verticalizer to facilitate physical therapy tasks.
 

The meeting was attended by Father Juan Cárdenas Tapia, UPS president, teachers and students, and the Director of the Foundation, Marcela Gutiérrez, and the entire HOPE family.
 

Father Juan Cárdenas Tapia stressed the work carried out by students, because it is not only about developing a project, but also about knowing how to do it and knowing people's needs; He added that UPS is willing to continue supporting institutions with these types of projects, which seek to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities.