Abstract
Many stroke patients are expected to rehabilitate at home, which limits their access to proper rehabilitation equipment, treatment, or assessment by therapists. We have developed a novel telerehabilitation system that incorporates a human-upper-limb-like device and an exoskeleton device. The system is designed to provide the feeling of real therapist–patient contact via telerehabilitation. We applied the principle of a series elastic actuator to both the master and slave devices. On the master side, the therapist can operate the device in a rehabilitation center. When performing passive training, the master device can detect the therapist’s motion while controlling the deflection of elastic elements to near-zero, and the patient can receive the motion via the exoskeleton device. When performing active training, the design of the force-sensing mechanism in the master device can detect the assisting force added by the therapist. The force-sensing mechanism also allows force detection with an angle sensor. Patients’ safety is guaranteed by monitoring the motor’s current from the exoskeleton device. To compensate for any possible time delay or data loss, a torque-limiter mechanism was also designed in the exoskeleton device for patients’ safety. Finally, we successfully performed a system performance test for passive training with transmission control protocol/internet protocol communication.
Highlights
IntroductionStrokes can lead to the impaired motor control of the upper and lower limbs with significant impairment of activities of daily living (ADL)
In the United States, approximately 795,000 new or recurrent strokes are reported annually [1].Strokes can lead to the impaired motor control of the upper and lower limbs with significant impairment of activities of daily living (ADL)
We describe in detail the procedures utilized by the telerehabilitation system in passive and active training with a real contact feeling
Summary
Strokes can lead to the impaired motor control of the upper and lower limbs with significant impairment of activities of daily living (ADL). Upper-limb function is the most important requirement of many ADL. Improving upper-limb ability after a brain lesion requires early and intensive therapy [2]. Home-based rehabilitation devices have been developed [11], caregivers usually lack the skills to operate them in a professional manner; telerehabilitation systems are a logical step. Such a system would be installed in the patients’
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
