Designing an origami-inspired soft-actuated smart system for portable pelvic rehabilitation

This paper presents the study of an origami-inspired soft-actuation smart system designed for pelvic floor rehabilitation. Initially conceived for women who have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM) and deinfibulation, the system extends its applicability to a broader user base, addressing diverse pelvic floor dysfunctions. Starting from an in-depth socio-medical analysis of FGM and its long-term consequences, this research adopts an integrated and multidisciplinary approach that combines smart healthcare solutions with soft robotic systems. The study explores the potential of origami-inspired soft actuation to enhance rehabilitation effectiveness by ensuring adaptability, personalized treatment, and comfort. The proposed system incorporates an inflatable actuator capable of dynamic and controlled interaction with the pelvic floor muscles, facilitating both active and passive training. By leveraging sensor integration and data monitoring, the device enables precise adjustments tailored to individual patient needs, supporting remote therapy management and telemedicine applications. This work contributes to the development of innovative rehabilitation solutions by bridging medical, technological, and cultural considerations, ultimately promoting accessible and patient-centered approaches in pelvic health.