Abstract
The Therapeutic Exercise Machine (TEM) is a newly developed exercise machine which aims to help stroke patients to recover their walking function using kinetic therapy on the lower extremities. The TEM functions by moving the lower extremities using two mechanical arms. These arms are driven by electric motors and controlled by a computer using load sensor information. TEM attempts to copy and re-enact therapists' techniques in moving legs and also employs a measurement function to monitor the patient's condition. TEM has a function to perform compliant motion as is normally performed by a therapist by hand. Therefore, TEM can accomplish the evaluation of a therapist's technique that is not available for conventional machines. In this paper, the effects of compliant motion against an impulsive load are shown, and the short-term effects of a continuous, passive, range-of-motion exercise (CPROM-E) in spastic patients and normal subjects are observed. In the normal subjects, the peak torque of the hip decreased steadily and significantly by about 5% after CPROM-E, although the peak amplitude of the surface integrated-electromyogram (I-EMG) was not always reduced. In the spastic patients, the peak torque of the hip decreased significantly, by about 35%, and the peak amplitudes of I-EMG also decreased significantly. These results suggest the TEM could make relax spasticity and reduce the level of I-EMG.
Published Version
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