DUALarm: An open-source and 3D-printable device for upper limb neurorehabilitation

Abstract

Positively advocating that low-cost additive 3D-printing technologies and open-source licensed software/hardware platforms represent an optimal solution to realize low-cost equipment, a mechanical and 3D-printable device for bilateral upper-limb rehabilitation is presented. The design and manufacturing process of this wheel-geared mechanism, enabling in-phase and anti-phase movements, will be openly provided online with the aim of making a set of customizable devices for neurorehabilitation exploitable all over the world even by people/countries with limited economical and technological resources. In order to characterize the interaction with the device, preliminary trials with EMG and kinematics recordings were performed on healthy subjects.

A domestic robotic rehabilitation device for assessment of wrist function for outpatients

“…The DUALarm presented by Dinon et al in Ref. 21 is an upper limb rehabilitation device with a focus on its low-cost and accessibility. It is an almost exclusively 3D-printed device and therefore, inexpensive and easy to manufacture.…”

“…Simultaneously, a low-cost system offers the possibility of being used not only in a clinical setting, but also in a home rehabilitation setting, and thus increasing the frequency and duration of therapy. 21 This requires the device to be easy to use, without requiring assistance of a professional, and have fast setup times. Further, the advantages of the compact, low-cost, and user-friendly devices may increase the use in home rehabilitation.…”