Design of a myoelectric glove for upper limb stroke rehabilitation

Abstract

Physiotherapy is an inherent component of stroke rehabilitation. It is important for the patient to be self motivated in physiotherapy sessions for a better and faster recovery. This paper presents initial work on simple design of an orthotic glove which will be controlled by the myoelectric signals of the stroke patient. A real time control scheme using a linear discriminant classifier is used to process and classify the myoelectric signals acquired from different muscle groups. These control signals are then used to actuate servo motors to facilitate the elbow movement. A position and velocity sensor ensures that there are no sudden movements or jerks in the movement path of the orthotic glove.