Enhancing Upper Limb Function and Motor Skills Post-Stroke Through an Upper Limb Rehabilitation Robot.

Journal: Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE
PMID:

Abstract

Cerebrovascular accidents, commonly known as strokes, represent a prevalent neurological event leading to significant upper limb disabilities, thereby profoundly affecting individuals' activities of daily living and diminishing their quality of life. Traditional rehabilitation methods for upper limb recovery post-stroke are often hindered by limitations, including therapist and patient fatigue, reliance on singular training methodologies, and lack of sustained motivation. Addressing these challenges, this study introduces an upper limb rehabilitation robot, which uses intelligent feedback motion control to improve therapeutic outcomes. The system is distinguished by its capability to adjust the direction and magnitude of force feedback dynamically, based on the detection of spastic movements during exercises, thereby offering a tailored therapeutic experience. This system is equipped with four distinct training modes, intelligent assessment of joint range of motion, and the ability to personalize training programs. Moreover, it provides an immersive interactive gaming experience coupled with comprehensive safety measures. This multifaceted approach not only elevates the engagement and interest of participants beyond traditional rehabilitation protocols but also demonstrates significant improvements in upper limb functionality and the activities of daily living among hemiplegic patients. The system exemplifies an advanced tool in upper limb rehabilitation, offering a synergistic blend of precision, personalization, and interactive engagement, thereby broadening the therapeutic options available to stroke survivors.

Authors

  • Tianfang Zhang
    Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University.
  • Zhao Yao
    Department of Electronic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
  • Fenfen Chen
    The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Taizhou Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University.
  • Jie Wang
  • Weiyi Shi
    Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University.
  • Jinjin Zheng
    Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China.
  • Ziwei Zhang
    College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Qianjin Street 2699, Changchun, Jilin, 130012, China. zzw@jlu.edu.cn.
  • Zuobing Chen
    Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University; The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Taizhou Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University; czb1971@zju.edu.cn.