Electromyographic audio biofeedback for telerehabilitation in hospital

Abstract

We investigated the use of surface electromyography with biofeedback for telerehabilitation. The aim was to investigate the therapist's point of view, and the general acceptability of the system for the patient and for the therapist. The system allowed a therapist to modulate the rehabilitation protocol remotely, by changing the configuration variables, e.g. threshold and duration. The case study focused on a patient with arm impairment following a stroke. After two weeks of daily usage, there were some differences between the patient and the therapist about the ease of use of the equipment. However, there was general agreement about the usefulness of the system, ease of the performed tasks, appropriateness of the performed tasks and overall opinion. Wireless technology would reduce the complexity of the tasks required of the patient.