Saebo SaeboMAS USER MANUAL

SaeboMAS

(Patent Pending)

Product Manual

Maximizing Function
While Improving Proximal Strength

No Plateau In Sight

®

Introduction

SaeboMAS dynamic mobile arm support system is a zero gravity upper extremity device

specically designed to facilitate, as well as challenge, the weakened shoulder and elbow during
functional tasks and exercise drills.

Patients suffering from neurological and orthopedic conditions that exhibit proximal weakness
can benet from the support and facilitation that the SaeboMAS offers. Performing exercise drills
with minimal compensation, as well as ADL tasks such as eating or drinking, are just a few of the
activities patients will be able to achieve with the SaeboMAS. Additionally, patients with proximal
weakness can now participate in proven treatment techniques consisting of highly repetitive task­oriented activities that would have otherwise been difcult or impossible.

Benets

o Increase motor control, strength and

range of motion

o Improve ADL performance
o Reduce “hand over hand” assistance by

allowing the patient to take on more of

an active role versus passive

o Minimize over use injuries and unwanted

movement

o Provide the clinician with an “extra

pair of hands” to offer more effective
facilitation when needed

o Provide an opportunity for the patient to

perform highly repetitive tasks without fear of proximal overuse injuries or pain

o Safe and effective way to treat shoulder subluxation

Contraindications

The SaeboMAS should not be used with
individuals who exhibit severe shoulder/elbow
pain or have acute shoulder/elbow fractures.

SaeboMAS Product Manual

1

Precautions

To decrease risk of bodily injury, make sure the Tension Scale is set to “1” prior to opening or
closing the SaeboMAS (clipping or unclipping).

The SaeboMAS must be mounted to a sturdy table. The device should not be mounted to unstable
surfaces or tables on wheels. Do not mount to plastic tables.

Do not perform hand-to-mouth activities without the Elbow Support. The Elbow Support must be
attached. Without the Elbow Support attached, the Forearm Support may migrate distally (i.e., slip
downwards) towards the wrist. In some cases, the forearm support may slip completely off the arm.

For some patients, the Forearm Support may migrate distally (i.e., slip downwards) toward the
wrist during use. Add non-slip material, such as wafed shelf liner to minimize migration.

If the SaeboMAS is mounted to a motorized height adjustable table, be sure to note the distance
between the bottom of the Vertical Pole and the oor when lowering the table or SaeboMAS.
Avoid making contact between the Vertical Pole and the oor.

Height
Adjustable
Knob

Parts List

Metal C-Clamp

Rubber Stop

D-Ring

Wrist Support

2

SaeboMAS Product Manual

SaeboMAS Installation

During installation, please keep the SaeboMAS in a
closed position (i.e., horizontal bar secured/clipped to
the frame) until the setup is complete (see Figure 1).
Once you are nished installing the device, open the
SaeboMAS (i.e., unclip the horizontal bar from the
frame) to begin treatment. When you are not using the
device, reset the Tension Scale to “1” and return to a
closed position.

Important: To decrease the risk of bodily injury,
make sure the tension is set to “1” before opening
or closing the SaeboMAS (see Figure 2).

NOTE: If your SaeboMAS included a Table Mount,

please follow the instructions in Sections A & B.

A. Attach the Table Mount

Figure 1

1. Secure the SaeboMAS to the table on the involved

side. The Table Mount should be positioned
approximately 2 feet away from the user.

2. The Table Mount should be secured to a sturdy heavy surface. Ideally, the mounting surface
should be 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) thick. If you are applying the Table Mount to a counter top, be
sure to have a sufcient surface area to properly secure the mount to the counter.

3. Place the Table Mount in the correct position (see Figure 3).

4. To protect the table and minimize migration, insert non-slip material between the top of the

surface and theTable Mount (see Figure 4).

5. Tightly rotate the Handle until the mount is secured (see Figure 5).

Figure 2

Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5

3

SaeboMAS Product Manual

B. Attach SaeboMAS to the Table Mount

1. Now that the Table Mount is secured to the surface,

insert the SaeboMAS Vertical Pole into the opening
of the Mount (see Figure 6).

2. Once the appropriate height is determined, secure
the vertical pole by rotating the Height Adjustable
Knob on the Table Mount in a clockwise direction.

3. Be sure to keep the device in a closed position
(see Figure 1).

NOTE: If your SaeboMAS included a Base Frame,

please follow the instructions in Section C.

C. Attach SaeboMAS to the Base Frame

If your SaeboMAS includes a Base Frame, please follow the
assembly instructions below. The height adjustable Base Frame
has 4 locking casters and can be conveniently transported
throughout the clinic.

Instructions:

The unassembled Base Frame parts include the Base Frame with
locking casters and the Vertical Pole. Also included is an Allen
wrench along with 2 screws. (see Figure 7).

1. Position the Vertical Pole into the Base Frame. Insert the
screws into the designated holes and tighten securely with
the Allen wrench. (see Figure 8).

Figure 6

Vertical Pole

Base

Figure 7

Figure 8

2. Once the Vertical Pole is properly secured to the Base

Frame, insert the SaeboMAS into the opening of the
Vertical Pole. Tighten the height adjustable knob to secure.
(see Figure 9).

4

SaeboMAS Product Manual

Figure 9

D. Height Adjustment

1. To increase or decrease the height of the device, rotate the Height Adjustable Knob in a
counter-clockwise direction (to loosen) and gently pull up or push down on the Vertical Pole to
the appropriate height. Once the appropriate height is determined, secure the vertical pole by
rotating the Height Adjustable Knob in a clockwise direction (see Figure 10).

Important: What height should the SaeboMAS be positioned?

The Tension Adjustment Handle of the SaeboMAS should be positioned at shoulder height of the user
(see Figure 11).

Figure 10 Figure 11

E. Apply Forearm Support

1. The SaeboMAS includes 2 Forearm Supports (1 Small, 1 Medium/Large). The Medium/Large
Forearm Support is attached to the device when shipped.

2. To replace the Forearm Supports, loosen the Knobs under the Forearm Support Base and
remove. Replace with the Small Forearm Support and re-secure.

Important: The Forearm Supports are malleable and can be shaped for an intimate t.

5

SaeboMAS Product Manual

F. Apply Elbow Support

Important: What is the Elbow Support and when should I use it?

1. It is highly recommended that the Elbow Support be

used for any activities involving elbow exion. For
example, all activities that incorporate hand to mouth
movements (i.e., feeding, grooming) will need the Elbow
Support. This will prevent the Forearm Support from
migrating distally (slip downwards) towards the wrist.

2. To attach the Elbow Support, loosen the Forearm
Support Base Knobs. Thread the Elbow Support into
the opening. Re-tighten the Knobs to secure the Elbow
Support to the Forearm Support Base (See Figure 12).

3. Be aware that elbow extension will be limited while using the Elbow Support. DO NOT USE
THE ELBOW SUPPORT FOR TASKS THAT REQUIRE ELBOW EXTENSION.

Figure 12

G. Apply Wrist Support

The Wrist Support is ideal for
patients that exhibit “wrist
drop”. To attach the Wrist
Support, loosen the Forearm
Support Base Knobs and thread
the Wrist Support into the
opening. Re-tighten the Knobs
to secure the Wrist Support to
the Forearm Support.

H. Forearm Support Lock

1. One of the unique features of the SaeboMAS is the ability to lock
and unlock the Forearm Support as needed. For example, patients
that exhibit poor strength at the elbow and forearm may require the
Forearm Support to be in a locked position for increased stability
and control (i.e., Forearm Support unable to swivel up and down).
Conversely, patients that have fair or good strength at the elbow and
forearm may be able to tolerate the Forearm Support in an unlocked
position (i.e., Forearm Support able to swivel up and down).

Figure 14Figure 13

2. To lock the Forearm Support, rotate the Knob in a clockwise direction

until it threads the hole on the Forearm Support (See Figure 15).
To unlock, rotate the Knob in a counter-clockwise direction.

6

SaeboMAS Product Manual

Figure 15

I. Tension Scale

The SaeboMAS includes a Tension Scale to identify and track the amount of support needed for the
affected arm (see Figure 16). The scale ranges from 1-15 (1=least amount of tension/support;
15=greatest amount of tension/support).

Figure 16

1. Tension Adjustments

a. Increase Tension/Support: Rotate the Tension Adjustment Handle in a clockwise direction.

b. Decrease Tension/Support: Rotate the Tension Adjustment Handle in a counter-clockwise

direction.

c. To avoid damage, once the desired tension is reached, be sure to move the Tension

Adjustment Handle away from the frame.

2. Progressing the Program

a. Document and track the desired tension needed for specic tasks on a routine basis.

b. As improvements are made, consider decreasing the amount of tension provided to further

challenge the affected arm.

Important: How much support should be provided?

Each patient will require a customized program based on his or her motor impairments. There
should be enough support provided to successfully complete the functional task. At the same
time, the support should be limited to challenge the patient. Finding a balance between too much
support and too little will be important.

7

SaeboMAS Product Manual

J. Correct Position

The SaeboMAS can be used in standing or a
seated position.

1. The user should be positioned side-by-side
(approximately 2 feet or 60cm away) from
the SaeboMAS. Note the position of the
parallelogram (posterior direction) when in
use (see Figure 17).

2. Alternate position: Instead of positioning the SaeboMAS side-by-side, an alternate
position is to place the SaeboMAS posterior-lateral to the user. In this position, the
device (Vertical Pole) should be positioned 1 foot (30cm) behind the user and 1.5 feet
(45cm) to the side (see Figure 18a and 18b).

2 ft.

Figure 17

1 ft.

Figure 18a

Figure 18b

1.5 ft.

K. Swivel Stop

Apply the Swivel Stop to eliminate rotation or turning of the frame when the SaeboMAS is not in
use. Be sure to unlock prior to next use.

Instructions:

1. Slide the Swivel Stop up the vertical pole (See Figure 19).

2. Align the cut-out groove of the Swivel Stop with the metal hardware (See Figure 20).

3. Once the groove completely covers the metal, tighten the tension knob to secure and lock in

place (See Figure 21).

Figure 19 Figure 20 Figure 21

8

SaeboMAS Product Manual

Incorporating the SaeboFlex® while using the SaeboMAS

The SaeboMAS can easily be combined with other modalities such as the SaeboFlex. There are
several ways to stabilize the SaeboFlex to the Forearm Support on the SaeboMAS. You will need to
select the best approach based on the size and length of the user’s forearm.

Option #1:

Position the SaeboFlex Forearm Shell just distal
(i.e.,below) to the SaeboMAS Forearm Support.
Secure the SaeboMAS Forearm Support Strap to
the arm just proximal (i.e., above) to the SaeboFlex
(strap is not touching the SaeboFlex Forearm Shell)
(See Figure 22).

Option #2:

Position the SaeboFlex Forearm Shell on top of
the SaeboMAS Forearm Support. Make sure the
SaeboFlex Thumb Mount is not making contact
with the SaeboMAS Forearm Support. Secure the
SaeboMAS Forearm Support Strap around the
proximal portion of the SaeboFlex (See Figure 23).

Option #3:

Same as Option 2, however, consider threading the
strap under the beadlines for the ngers and thumb
(see Figure 24).

Figure 22

Figure 23

Combining SaeboMAS with SaeboFLEX

SaeboMAS Product Manual

Figure 24

®

9

Replacement Liners –

The SaeboMAS includes:

a. (5) Medium/Large Forearm Support Liners

b. (5) Small Forearm Support Liners

c. (5) Elbow Support Liners

Please contact your supplier (point of purchase) to inquire about ordering additional liners.

Trouble Shooting Tips

1. If your patient exhibits decreased wrist extension strength (i.e., wrist drop), consider applying a
wrist brace for added support.

2. As you increase the tension on the device, it may be necessary to assist in bringing the arm
down to grasp the object on the table. This will depend on the extent of proximal weakness.

3. If your patient exhibits increased tone at the elbow exors, it may be difcult to perform
movements requiring elbow extension. To maximize the extension at the elbow, consider the
following strategies:

a. Electrical stimulation on the triceps

b. Elbow air splint

c. Manual facilitation

d. EMG/biofeedback

4. During elbow exion activities, the elbow may shift/migrate while using the Elbow Stop. For

these instances, consider securing the elbow to the Elbow Support by using a Velcro strap.

Care and Cleaning

o Forearm liners are removable and can be replaced by ordering directly from Saebo.
o To increase the longevity of the liners, consider applying a stockinette over the client’s arm

prior to using the SaeboMAS.

o The foam liners on the forearm and elbow supports can be cleaned by applying “Dispatch”

to a cloth and wiped down.

10

SaeboMAS Product Manual

www.saebo.com

Rev. 1|2014