Towards an upper limb self-rehabilitation assistance system after stroke

Abstract

We designed an interactive system to assist motor rehabilitation of the upper limb after stroke. This work is based on an iterative design methodology centered on the users (patients and therapists). Our prototype makes it possible to carry out a repetitive pointing task with the natural manipulation of a virtual hand. The monitoring of the paretic hand is carried out via a low-cost capture device. Measures of performance are carried out and visual feedbacks are proposed to patients and therapists. The first tests are encouraging. The ultimate goal is to retain the medical benefits of traditional post-stroke methods, while reducing human costs (usable in semi-autonomy) and materials (general public), and facilitating active patient participation.