Smart Portable Rehabilitation Devices

Abstract

Background: The majority of current portable orthotic devices and rehabilitative braces provide stability, apply precise pressure, or help maintain alignment of the joints with out the capability for real time monitoring of the patient's motions and forces and without the ability for real time adjustments of the applied forces and motions. Improved technology has allowed for advancements where these devices can be designed to apply a form of tension to resist motion of the joint. These devices induce quicker recovery and are more effective at restoring proper biomechanics and improving muscle function. However, their shortcoming is in their inability to be adjusted in real-time, which is the most ideal form of a device for rehabilitation. This introduces a second class of devices beyond passive orthotics. It is comprised of "active" or powered devices, and although more complicated in design, they are definitely the most versatile. An active or powered orthotic, usually employs some type of actuator(s).

Double actuation architectures for rendering variable impedance in compliant robots: A review

“…in [66,70]), in traditional robots where flexible components can cause vibrations (e.g. in [63,64]) or in rehabilitation devices where resistive torques are needed [75][76][77].…”

Design of an Assistive Gait Device for Strength Endurance and Rehabilitation

“…The AKROD-v2 (Mavroidis, 2005) developed by the Northeastern University consists of a robotic knee brace that is portable and programmable. As shown in Figure 4, the device contains electro-rheological fluid on one side of its structure such that it can turn solid in less than a millisecond with the application of a voltage.…”

Design and implementation of an inertial measurement unit for control of artificial limbs: Application on leg orthoses

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