Analysis on elastic strap-based rehabilitation of elbow joint

Abstract

This paper analyses the elastic strap-based rehabilitation of the elbow joint of human arms. The basic idea is that an elastic strap can be used as a tool for the typical elbow joint exercise or rehabilitation. Such an elastic strap has been modeled as a linear spring with a stiffness in this paper, and then we consider a stiffness-based elbow training mechanism for the purpose of rehabilitation of the elbow joint. For effective rehabilitation training by using such a mechanism, we need to analyse the available torque characteristics exerted on the elbow joint according to the stiffness level of the strap. Through various simulations, we identify a torque pattern and a range of the elbow joint available for effectively perform a level of elbow rehabilitation. Finally, we show that the specified stiffness-based exercise scheme can give us a guideline for effective rehabilitation of the elbow joint. In addition, we address the reason why our analysis is helpful for a rehabilitation trainee or trainer. Practically, this analysis can contribute to determine a proper load for appropriate elbow rehabilitation.