Assist-as-needed control strategy for upper-limb rehabilitation based on subject’s functional ability

Ahmed Mounis, Shawgi Younis and Zainul Azlan, Norsinnira and Sado, Fatai (2019) Assist-as-needed control strategy for upper-limb rehabilitation based on subject’s functional ability. Measurement and Control (United Kingdom), 52 (9-10). pp. 1354-1361. ISSN 0020-2940

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Abstract

The assist-as-needed technique in robotic rehabilitation is a popular technique that encourages patients’ active participation to promote motor recovery. It has been proven beneficial for patients with functional motor disability. However, its application in robotic therapy has been hindered by a poor estimation method of subjects’ functional or movement ability which is required for setting the appropriate robotic assistance. Moreover, there is also the need for consistency and repeatability of the functional ability estimation in line with the clinical procedure to facilitate a wider clinical adoption. In this study, we propose a new technique of estimation of subject’s functional ability based on the Wolf Motor Function Test. We called this estimation the functional ability index. The functional ability index enables the modulation of robotic assistance and gives a more consistent indication of subjects’ upper-limb movement ability during therapy session. Our baseline controller is an adaptive inertia-related controller, which is integrated with the functional ability index algorithm to provide movement assistance as when needed. Experimental studies are conducted on three hemiplegic patients with different levels of upper-limb impairments. Each patient is requested to perform reaching task of lifting a can from table-to-mouth according to the guidelines stipulated in the Wolf Motor Function Test. Data were collected using two inertial measurement unit sensors installed at the flexion/extension joints, and the functional ability score of each patient was rated by an experienced therapist. Results showed that the proposed functional ability index algorithm can estimate patients’ functional ability level consistently with clinical procedure and can modify generated robotic assistance in accordance with patients’ functional movement ability.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	4494/79065
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Rehabilitation robotics; Assist-as-needed strategy; Adaptive control; Wolf motor function test; Functional ability
Subjects:	T Technology > TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery > TJ210.2 Mechanical devices and figures. Automata. Ingenious mechanism. Robots (General)
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Engineering Kulliyyah of Engineering > Department of Mechatronics Engineering
Depositing User:	Norsinnira Zainul Azlan
Date Deposited:	28 Feb 2020 15:24
Last Modified:	28 Feb 2020 15:24
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/79065

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