Design, development, and evaluation of upper and lower limb orthoses with intelligent control for rehabilitation. Issue 9 (28th June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hung, Kevin; Cheung, Ho‐Yuen; Wan, Nathan; Lee, Eva; Lai, Chi‐Nang; Pan, Kun; Liang, Rongle; Chu, Carlin; Choy, Sheung‐On; Ng, Douglas; Chow, Daniel H.K.
• Is Part Of: IET science, measurement & technology. Volume 15:Issue 9(2021)
• Page Start: 738
• Page End: 748
• Publication Date: 2021-06-28
• Subjects: Electrodiagnostics and other electrical measurement techniques -- Patient care and treatment -- Prosthetics and other practical applications -- Bioelectric signals -- Patient care and treatment -- Prosthetics and orthotics -- Biomedical communication -- Biological and medical control systems -- Biology and medical computing -- Computer games; Measurement -- Periodicals; Electrical engineering -- Periodicals; Electronics -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Electromagnetism -- Periodicals; Medical instruments and apparatus -- Periodicals; 621.3
• DOI: 10.1049/smt2.12074
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-8822

Abstract

Abstract: World's ageing population, prevalence of chronic diseases, and shortage of healthcare resources have increased interest in home‐based physical therapy and rehabilitation. However, the standard equipment is often too bulky and unsuited for home use. This paper presents the design, development, and evaluation of a set of wearable orthoses for home‐based physical therapy. Originatively utilising miniature electromagnetic brakes, the system can deliver a low to moderate range of resistive torques suitable for isotonic, isometric, and open‐chain resistance exercises. In human tests with the orthoses, low‐level muscle activation and low‐ to moderate‐level energy expenditure were achieved. This suggests the system's potential for use in a wide range of applications, including postoperative treatments for muscle injury and the early stages of rehabilitation, and tele‐rehabilitation. The orthoses were integrated with a video game console to form a new research platform that can be used to study the effects of force haptics on muscle activation and energy expenditure in exergames. The data obtained aid the future development of exergame prescription standards.