Laying the groundwork for assisted rehabilitation

Abstract

Motivation -- To provide to physical therapists a monitoring system with effective and accurate patient monitoring and evolution analysis. Research approach -- We analyzed therapy sessions with tetraplegic patients to better understand the rehabilitation process and highlight the major requirements for a technology-enhanced tool. We developed a prototype able to automate and improve the current monitoring and follow-up processes. Findings/Design -- Preliminary results indicate that computational movement analysis and comparison can improve the quality of a rehabilitation session and overall patient evolution analysis. Research limitations/Implications -- Analysis and studies have been performed in a rehabilitation centre with a limited set of therapists (3) and patients (7). Originality/Value -- The research herein contributes with a requirement analysis for a computer-assisted rehabilitation platform. We present a tracking-based system instantiating these requirements and outline its values after a preliminary informal validation. Take away message -- The capture and virtual playback of motion in physical therapy sessions increases therapist awareness of patient condition and evolution thus improving the rehabilitation process.