Smart rehabilitation garment design for arm-hand training

Abstract

This paper describes the design of a smart rehabilitation garment (SRG) to support posture correction during rehabilitation training. The garment is equipped with accelerometers in various positions and is controlled by an Arduino processor. It connects with Bluetooth to a smartphone or a personal computer in order to provide feedback to patients. The garment can provide reminders to users by vibration. We discuss the placement of sensing modules, the garment design and the integration of smart textiles and wearable electronics. The garment has been designed to support posture feedback during rehabilitation training, e.g., in the context of arm-hand training, or to be used as a posture correction aid worn throughout the day. We argue that wearability and comfort are major requirements in order to achieve acceptance by users.