Sustainable Rehabilitation: Convergence between Physical Therapy and Clinical Engineering for Equity and Accessibility

Sustainable rehabilitation emerges as a response to the challenges of occupational and chronic diseases, by reducing environmental impacts and costs while expanding equitable access to treatments. The integration between physical therapy and clinical engineering enables ecological and innovative devices that strengthen collective well-being and directly contribute to SDGs 3 and 10. Objective: To develop, based on scientific literature, a sustainable device applicable to physical therapy in diseases such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and related conditions, aiming to create an ecological resource capable of optimizing rehabilitation processes, promoting health and well-being, and ensuring equitable access to treatments, in alignment with Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 10. This is a methodological study conducted in three stages. The first consisted of a systematic review in the PubMed, Scopus, and SciELO databases, using Health Sciences Descriptors in Portuguese and English: “Health Services Accessibility,” “Sustainable Development,” “Equity,” “Rehabilitation,” and “Physical Therapy Services.” These terms were combined with the Boolean operators AND and OR in all possible combinations. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, PRISMA, protocol was followed, resulting in the selection of ten original articles. The results obtained from the assembly of the sustainable device for physical therapy demonstrated that the proposed structure is functional, ergonomic, and low-cost, meeting the objective of assisting in the rehabilitation of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and similar conditions. The use of reusable materials such as wood, foam, and fabrics ensured durability and comfort, while the simple and adaptable design allows easy reproduction in different communities. The device proved efficient in providing therapeutic support, reducing pain, and preventing contractures, in addition to representing a practical solution aligned with the principles of sustainability and equity in health. The device proved to be functional, ergonomic, and low-cost, serving patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and similar conditions, using recyclable materials that ensure therapeutic quality, expand accessibility in low-income communities, and align with SDGs 3 and 10, consolidating itself as a viable and innovative alternative to optimize rehabilitation and reduce environmental impacts.