Tangible interactive upper limb training device

Abstract

To regain motor abilities, stroke patients should persist regular and intense rehabilitation exercises but in reality they are usually demotivated by boringness and frustration of repetitive exercises. Researches have highlighted video games-based exercise as an approach to increasing patient engagement. However, it might not be appropriate for elderly patients. They are generally not familiar with video games and as growing old, they are suffering from decreased learning ability. This project aims to provide a tangible interactive device to better assist elderly patients in the upper limb rehabilitation process. We have integrated three types of exercise (forearm, wrist and finger) into one single device and adopted physical stimulation like light, sound and vibration. Each exercise has been redesigned in order to engage and motivate patients in the recovery process.