Task-orientated biofeedback system for the rehabilitation of the upper limb

Abstract

Stroke forms one of the leading causes of disability in most industrialized countries. Robot mediated task-orientated physiotherapy is the recent answer to the shortage of staff and the cost associated with the treatment of strokes. The role of biofeedback as a rehabilitation tool has also being acknowledged recently. In this paper we present Rehab Lab, a multi-modal environment for implementing task-orientated therapy. The work focuses on how an arm exoskeleton operating in 3D space can be used in conjunction with rehabilitation software for training patients in relearning daily motor tasks as well as providing them with quality feedback. The Salford Rehabilitation Exoskeleton (SRE) is used as an assistive device which helps individuals retrain in performing motor tasks by assisting them to complete therapy regimes. © 2007 IEEE.