Personalization of assistance and knowledge of performance feedback on a hybrid mobile and myo-electric robotic system for motor rehabilitation after stroke

Abstract

Upper limb motor deficits caused by stroke have a large impact on a person’s daily activities and independence. The personalization of the rehabilitation tasks to the needs of the patient as well as the enhancement of the feedback provided to the patient are strategies for promoting motor relearning. In this paper we describe the development and pilot evaluation of a portable system that uses a robotic orthosis to deliver assistance and meaningful feedback during rehabilitative training. Two software modules are implemented, one that investigates an optimal calibration method for the personalization of the level of assistance, and another one that combines the orthosis with a mobile application running on a tablet that provides graphical knowledge of performance feedback to stroke patients while performing therapy. Here we present two preliminary studies and discuss the potential of this technology.