Development of computer-based environment for simulating the voluntary upper-limb movements of persons with disability

Abstract

Upper-limb orthotic systems have been designed for restoring the upper-limb functions of individuals with disabilities resulting from spinal cord injury (SCI), stroke and muscular dystrophy. These systems employ either functional electrical stimulation or external power. It is proposed that, instead of time-consuming and complicated monitoring using sensors and motion analysis, a software simulator with both angular displacement and acceleration parameters can facilitate the design of a control strategy for an orthosis. Reaching movements of three cervical SCI subjects are used to verify the simulator. A motion analysis system is used to measure the range of motion and joint angles during hand reaching. Results indicate that quaternion and spline curve techniques are suitable for interpolation of the hand reaching movements. The information needed for good simulation only compress the shoulder and elbow joint angles in a few key postures. Stimulated acceleration signals on the upper-arm segment have a high correlation coefficient (> 0.9) and a small root mean squared error (< 0.11 g) with a real bi-axial accelerometer.

Speed-Interactive Pedaling Training Using Smartphone Virtual Reality Application for Stroke Patients: Single-Blinded, Randomized Clinical Trial

“…Hemiplegia is one of the main complications, and the asymmetry of both sides of the hemiplegic patient’s body leads to loss of function and difficulties in daily life. Paralysis of the upper limbs results in disability of daily activities, and paralysis of the lower limbs causes difficulty in transferring or walking [2,3]. The main goal of rehabilitation in stroke patients is to improve the gait ability to be able to recover and move to the desired location [4].…”

The assistive potential of functional electrical stimulation to support object manipulation in functional upper extremity movements after stroke: A randomized cross-over study

“… 53 Designing a smooth, sophisticated and functional UL FES system for assistive applications remains a challenge and is to date still in developmental stages with literature consisting mainly of feasibility studies or technical reports. 54 - 57 In addition, the great majority of patients needed proximal support to perform the test. This emphasizes the need for the combination of systems for distal and proximal support, such as augmenting the distal FES by a proximal exoskeleton.…”

Effects of Agro-healing Program on Hand Function, Grip Strength, and Activities of Daily Living Skills of People with Developmental Disabilities

“…Individuals with mild or severe intellectual disabilities have difficulty being independent in all areas of self-care, including eating and toileting, compared to their peers in general, and have problems in walking, sitting, and standing in terms of motor functions (Jang et al, 2003;Park et al, 2012). Hand dysfunction causes serious impairment in most activities of daily living, including eating, dressing, and personal care, which rely heavily on the upper limbs (Tong and Mak, 2001). This movement disorder of PDD causes them to frequently drop things held in their hands, and often bump into objects and get hurt, which makes it hard for them to play games or hang out with their peers, leading them to become less active and more clumsy in activities of daily living.…”