Physiotherapy devices able to generate ethical dilemmas

Transilvania University of Braşov, Department of Basic, Prophylactic and Clinical Disciplines, Nicolae Balcescu 56, Braşov, Romania

^* Corresponding author: nadinneroman@gmail.com

Abstract

Physical therapy is a medical specialty where the professionals help restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness or disability. This paper wishes to establish the connection between ethics, physiotherapy and bioengineering. The research method was achieved using academic database searches based on specific keywords. A SWOT analysis of the physiotherapy devices utilization and design was made, for extracting ethical considerations. The main results suggest that physiotherapy devices are able to generate ethical dilemmas, classified in 4 main items: (1) Bioengineering in physical therapy, ethical and clinical standards for manufacturers; (2) Social impact of physical therapy devices and ethical issues; (3) Inter-professional lack of communication and ethical concerns; (4) Bioengineering ethical research and education. As conclusions, for the physical therapy or electrotherapy research equipment development, a multidisciplinary team is needed. The equipment used in rehabilitation must fulfil specific technical and scientific requirements drafted by the professionals.