An arm assisting device to enable flexion and extension for stroke victims

Abstract

Stroke is caused by a blood vessel burst or some other interference with the blood supply to the most vulnerable area of the human brain. Ischemic strokes are caused by unexpected damage to the conduits supplying the mind, either as a result of a blood clot at the site of harm or as a result of a blood clot shaped in another piece of the dissemination, whereas hemorrhagic strokes are caused by draining from one of the cerebrum's vessels into the human brain tissue or blood vessel draining in the space between the meninges. Existing therapies given by a physiotherapist and occupational therapist provide assistance only for a stipulated time. Also, it requires human interaction and does not help the subjects to perform their daily activities independently. Thus, to overcome this, the present rehabilitation system will provide therapy without the aid of the therapist by measuring the voltage generated during upper arm flexion and extension. The entire system is run by motor and controlled by a microcontroller to enable upper arm movements. Force sensitive resistors were used to measure voltage generated during upper arm flexion and extension. Voltage values differed depending on the age of the subjects. It was encountered that subjects over the age of 45 seem to be more likely than other age groups to suffer the consequences of a stroke.