Development of portable robotic orthosis and biomechanical validation in people with limited upper limb function after stroke

Stroke has a considerable incidence in the world population and would cause sequelae in the upper limbs. One way to increase the efficiency in the rehabilitation process of patients with these sequelae is through robot-assisted therapy. The present study developed a portable robotic orthosis called...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Robotica 2022-12, Vol.40 (12), p.4238-4256
Main Authors: Ferreira, Fernanda Márcia Rodrigues Martins, de Paula Rúbio, Guilherme, Dutra, Rina Mariane Alves, Van Petten, Adriana Maria Valladão Novais, Vimieiro, Claysson Bruno Santos
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biomechanics
Elbow
Engineering Sciences
Exoskeletons
Impairment
Life Sciences
Limbs
Microcontrollers
Orthoses
Patient safety
Portability
Rehabilitation
Robotics
Robots
Smartphones
Stroke
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Summary:Stroke has a considerable incidence in the world population and would cause sequelae in the upper limbs. One way to increase the efficiency in the rehabilitation process of patients with these sequelae is through robot-assisted therapy. The present study developed a portable robotic orthosis called Pinotti Portable Robotic Exoskeleton (PPRE) and validated its functioning in clinical tests. The static and dynamic parts of the device modules are described. Design issues, such as heavyweight and engine positioning, have been optimized. The implementation of control was through a smartphone application that communicates with a microcontroller to perform desired movements. Four individuals with motor impairment of the upper limbs due to stroke performed clinical tests to validate the device. Participants did not mention pain, discomfort, tingling, and paresthesia. The robotic device showed the ability to perform the flexion and extension movements of the fingers and elbow. The PPRE was confirmed to be adequate and functional at different levels of motor impairment assessed. The orthosis presented advantages over the currently existing devices, concerning its biomechanical functioning, portability, comfort, and versatility. Thus, the apparatus has the great innovative potential to become a device for home use, serving as an aid to the therapist and facilitating the rehabilitation of patients after an injury. In a larger sample, future studies are needed to assess the effect of a robotic orthosis on the level of rehabilitation in individuals with upper limb impairment.
ISSN:0263-5747
1469-8668
DOI:10.1017/S0263574722000881