Robotic Rehabilitation System In Malaysia

The goal of this project entitled Robotic Rehabititation System in Malaysia is to examine the purpose of robotics to therapeutic procedures for achieving the finest possible motor and functional recovery for persons with impairments following various diseases such as amputations, life-threatening wounds, brain injury, pain management issues, orthopaedics, pulmonary, spinal cord injuries and strokes. Feasibility study and research concerning robotic rehabilitation system iue prepared for the development of robotic based rehabilitation system in Malaysia to be fulfilled. However, there are significant research challenges in developing and testing rehabilitation robots so that they meet the requirements of the patients. The technology must be capable of improving person's impaired limbs or part of the body. In addition, robots must be able to understand the complexity of human type of movements. Thus, non-robotic rehabilitation centre can be transformed to a robotic based rehabilitation centre by analysing the possibility of transforming the current practice of rehabilitation programs conducted via physiotherapist to an automated rehabilitation activity by means of robot follows with good evidence on how robots might enhance the delivery of robotic rehabilitation to people of all ages

Design Principles for FES Concept Development

© Cranfield University 2013. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the copyright owner.A variety of pathologies can cause injury to the spinal cord and hinder movement. A range of equipment is available to help spinal injury sufferers move their affected limbs. One method of rehabilitation is functional electrical stimulation (FES). FES is a technique where small electrical currents are applied to the surface of the user’s legs to stimulate the muscles. Studies have demonstrated the benefits of using this method and it has also been incorporated into a number of devices. The aim of the project was to produce a number of designs for a new device that uses FES technology. The project was completed in conjunction with an industrial partner. A review of the literature and consultation with industrial experts suggested a number of ways current devices could be improved. These included encouraging the user to lean forwards while walking and powering the device using a more ergonomic method. A group of designers were used to produce designs that allowed the user to walk with a more natural gait and avoided cumbersome power packs. The most effective of these designs were combined to form one design that solved both problems. A 3-dimensional model of this design was simulated using computer-aided design software. Groups of engineers, scientists and consumers were also invited to provide input on how a new device should function. Each of these groups provided a design that reflected their specific needs, depending on their experience with similar technology. Low level prototypes were produced of these designs. A group of designers were also used to design concepts for a functional electrical stimulation device based on an introduction given by industry experts. Each of the designs was presented to experienced professionals to obtain feedback. A set of guidelines were also produced during the project that instructed how to create the designs

Design of a wearable active ankle-foot orthosis for both sides

Dissertação de mestrado integrado em Engenharia Biomédica (área de especialização em Biomateriais, Reabilitação e Biomecânica)Portugal is the west European country with the highest rate of stroke-related mortality, being that, of those who suffer cerebrovascular accidents, 40% feature an impairment which can manifest itself through motor sequelae, namely drop foot. An ankle-foot orthosis is often recommended to passively accommodate these motor problems; however, active/powered exoskeletons are also a suitable solution for post-stroke patients. Due to the high complexity of the human ankle joint, one of the problems regarding these active devices is the misalignment occurring between the rehabilitation device and the human joint, which is a cause of parasitic forces, discomfort, and pain. The present master dissertation proposes the development of an adjustable wearable active ankle-foot orthosis that is able to tackle this misalignment issue concerning commercially available lower limb orthotic devices. This work is integrated on the SmartOs – Smart, Stand-alone Active Orthotic System – project that proposes an innovative robotic technology (a wearable mobile lab) oriented to gait rehabilitation. The conceptual design of a standard version of the SmartOs wearable active orthosis was initiated with the analysis of another ankle-foot orthosis – Exo-H2 (Technaid) – from which the necessary design changes were implemented, aiming at the improvement of the established device. In order to achieve a conceptual solution, both the practical knowledge of the Orthos XXI design team and several design methods were used to ensure the accomplishment of the defined requirements. The detailed design process of the standard SmartOs wearable active orthosis prototype is disclosed. With the purpose of validating the design, the critical components were simulated with the resources available in SolidWorks®, and the necessary CAD model’s adaptations were implemented to guarantee a reliable and safe design. The presented design is currently set for further production in Orthos XXI, followed by the mandatory mechanical tests.Portugal é o país da Europa ocidental com maior taxa de mortalidade por acidente vascular cerebral (AVC), sendo que, dos que sofrem acidentes vasculares cerebrais, 40% apresentam uma deficiência que pode manifestar-se por sequelas motoras, nomeadamente o pé pendente. Uma ortótese do tornozelo é recomendada frequentemente para acomodar passivamente esses problemas motores; no entanto, exoesqueletos ativos são também uma solução adequada para pacientes pós-AVC. Devido à alta complexidade da articulação do tornozelo humano, um dos problemas associados a esses dispositivos ativos é o desalinhamento que ocorre entre o dispositivo de reabilitação e a articulação humana, que é uma causa de forças parasitas, desconforto e dor. A presente dissertação de mestrado propõe o desenvolvimento de uma ortótese ativa do tornozelo ajustável e vestível, que seja capaz de resolver esse problema de desalinhamento relativo aos dispositivos ortóticos de membros inferiores disponíveis comercialmente. Este trabalho está integrado no projeto SmartOs - Smart, Stand-alone Active Orthotic System - projeto que propõe uma tecnologia robótica inovadora (wearable mobile lab) direcionada para a reabilitação da marcha. O projeto conceptual de uma versão padrão da ortótese ativa vestível do projeto SmartOs foi iniciado com a análise de outra ortótese do tornozelo – Exo-H2 (Technaid) - a partir da qual foram implementadas as alterações de projeto necessárias, visando o aprimoramento do dispositivo estabelecido. Para se chegar a uma solução conceptual, tanto o conhecimento prático da equipa de projeto da Orthos XXI como os diversos métodos de projeto foram utilizados para garantir o cumprimento dos requisitos definidos. O processo do desenho detalhado da versão padrão da ortótese ativa SmartOs será também divulgado. Com o objetivo de validar o projeto, os componentes críticos foram simulados com os recursos disponíveis no SolidWorks® e as adaptações necessárias do modelo CAD foram implementadas para garantir um projeto fidedigno e seguro. O projeto apresentado está atualmente em preparação para produção na empresa Orthos XXI, depois do qual se seguem os ensaios mecânicos obrigatórios

Enhancement of Robot-Assisted Rehabilitation Outcomes of Post-Stroke Patients Using Movement-Related Cortical Potential

Post-stroke rehabilitation is essential for stroke survivors to help them regain independence and to improve their quality of life. Among various rehabilitation strategies, robot-assisted rehabilitation is an efficient method that is utilized more and more in clinical practice for motor recovery of post-stroke patients. However, excessive assistance from robotic devices during rehabilitation sessions can make patients perform motor training passively with minimal outcome. Towards the development of an efficient rehabilitation strategy, it is necessary to ensure the active participation of subjects during training sessions. This thesis uses the Electroencephalography (EEG) signal to extract the Movement-Related Cortical Potential (MRCP) pattern to be used as an indicator of the active engagement of stroke patients during rehabilitation training sessions. The MRCP pattern is also utilized in designing an adaptive rehabilitation training strategy that maximizes patients’ engagement. This project focuses on the hand motor recovery of post-stroke patients using the AMADEO rehabilitation device (Tyromotion GmbH, Austria). AMADEO is specifically developed for patients with fingers and hand motor deficits. The variations in brain activity are analyzed by extracting the MRCP pattern from the acquired EEG data during training sessions. Whereas, physical improvement in hand motor abilities is determined by two methods. One is clinical tests namely Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and Motor Assessment Scale (MAS) which include FMA-wrist, FMA-hand, MAS-hand movements, and MAS-advanced hand movements’ tests. The other method is the measurement of hand-kinematic parameters using the AMADEO assessment tool which contains hand strength measurements during flexion (force-flexion), and extension (force-extension), and Hand Range of Movement (HROM)

Rehabilitation of gait after stroke: a review towards a top-down approach

This document provides a review of the techniques and therapies used in gait rehabilitation after stroke. It also examines the possible benefits of including assistive robotic devices and brain-computer interfaces in this field, according to a top-down approach, in which rehabilitation is driven by neural plasticity

Development of a 4-DoF Active Upper Limb Orthosis

In this paper, the designs and manufacturing process of a powered upper limb orthosis are presented. The orthosis is an exoskeleton worn on one arm by the user and fixed to the trunk. The orthosis’ architecture, design, and manufacturing process are presented and discussed. Estimations of the ranges of movement related to daily living activities are presented. The preliminary tests to verify the functionality of the design show encouraging results