Requirements for Upper-Limb Rehabilitation with FES and Exoskeleton

Factors affecting real‐time evaluation of muscle function in smart rehab systems

“…The rule of thumb is that 1 year is required from the onset of the stroke condition for maximum recovery. However, recent studies have shown that physical functionality continues to improve after 12 months [11]. Moreover, rehabilitation periods have been known to last from a few months to several years [11][12][13].…”

“…However, recent studies have shown that physical functionality continues to improve after 12 months [11]. Moreover, rehabilitation periods have been known to last from a few months to several years [11][12][13]. To achieve simultaneous physical and cognitive recovery, multidimensional biofeedback sensors are needed to collect and analyze complex musculature function data.…”

“…Gross motor functionality is normally handled by physical therapists, upper-limb fine motor function and cognition are handled by occupational therapists, and language capabilities are handled by language therapists. For gross motor area treatment, physical therapists adopt the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) standard for nervous system therapy (e.g., electrotherapy) [11][12][13]. The rule of thumb is that 1 year is required from the onset of the stroke condition for maximum recovery.…”

“…To these ends, we focus on the musculature of the upper limbs as proof of concept. After gaining Institutional Review Board approval from Pusan National University Hospital [9], we gathered real clinical stroke‐patient data, divided the electromyography (EMG) signals into time and frequency domains, and compared abnormal and normal muscle functions. We then associated the results with the associated ground truth comprehensive medical decisions rather than analyzing each feature.…”