Sit-to-Stand: Smart Physical Therapy Device Design Project

Authors

• Mollie Petersen, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
• Evie Collier, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
• Gracie Kniss, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
• Lucas Sokolik, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
• Jacob Zitek, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

First Advisor

Professor Kurt Palik

Second Advisor

Dr. Lucia Fernandez Ballester

Date of this Version

Spring 5-5-2026

Document Type

Report

Citation

Petersen, M., Collier, E., Sokolik, L., Zitek, J., & Kniss, G. 2026.  Sit-to-Stand: Smart Physical Therapy Device Design Project. Undergraduate Honors Report. University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Comments

Copyright Mollie Petersen, 2026.

Abstract

Mechanical engineering students in their last year are provided with the opportunity to form a small group and design a product. The specific project covered in this report is the creation of a smart attachment to a physical therapy device. A sit-to-stand piece of equipment is used to help patients recover or build the strength to move from a sitting to standing position after an injury or illness. Currently, there is not a way for physical therapists to collect numerical data while a patient is using the equipment. Much of their care plans are built off of personal perception and what the patient communicates to them. Our product works to provide numerical weight distribution data to both the patient and therapist when interacting with the piece of equipment. This was done by designing a plate with load cell sensors that connect to a display, which shows the output of weight placed on the left and right side of the plate. Research was completed to design the foot plate for accurate measurement reporting. This product will help to track patient progress and set clearly defined goals for the patient to work towards.