A motorized gravity compensation mechanism used for active rehabilitation of upper limbs

Abstract

The active rehabilitation system (ACRE) provides motivation-based therapy at home to people who suffer from (temporary) loss of muscle control in the upper limbs. In a first prototype the movement of the patient's arm (i.e. the therapy) is supported by a passive gravity compensating mechanism. The patient interacts with a therapy-game while the patient's movements are measured. Data analysis on the movement can help in researching the benefits of different types of exercises. The prototype showed promising results during the first user trials. However, during these trials the system put rather high constraints on the users with respect to the minimal force and reach needed to execute certain tasks. By developing a new, motorized gravity compensation mechanism, these constraints can be lowered and the group of patients that can benefit from this system can be enlarged. Intensive evaluations of the system are planned, starting from June 2005 until the end of the year.