UniTherapy: a computer-assisted motivating neurorehabilitation platform for teleassessment and remote therapy

Abstract

This paper presents the design and implementation of UniTherapy, a telerehabilitation platform which builds on other efforts at Web-based therapy [Reinkensmeyer, DJ, et al., 2002] and targets software support for computer-assisted motivating rehabilitation (CAMR) [Bach-y-Rita, P, et al., 2002] protocols that are intended especially for individuals with stroke-induced disability. It utilizes mass-marketed force-reflecting joysticks and other input devices to provide interactive upper limb assessment and therapy, and includes four modes of robot assistance. It also includes a rich menu of performance assessment capabilities, and support for telerehabilitation links, for protocol design, and for data analysis. Preliminary results of its use as a research tool for several projects are presented and discussed.