Virtual Reality-Based System for Hand Rehabilitation Using an Exoskeletal Orthosis

Abstract

This research shows an alternative device in the field of fine motor rehabilitation. This device is a flexible orthosis that helps the flexion and contraction of the hand fingers using a virtual interface environment. In addition, it has been designed with the ability to perform different assistive and resistive tasks, allowing its adaptation to the recovery status of the patient. The mechatronic prototype is controlled by algorithms based on fuzzy logic that compares data from the Unity3D graphics engine and flex sensors from the device. For the correct execution of the rehabilitation tasks the proposed fuzzy algorithms have been implemented using a Raspberry Pi. The proposed system is aimed to users with deficits in fine motor skills because of tendon injuries, achieving excellent control results for an efficient execution of tasks.