NeuroSuitUp: System Architecture and Validation of a Motor Rehabilitation Wearable Robotics and Serious Game Platform

Sensors, 2023 · DOI: 10.3390/s23063281 · Published: March 20, 2023

Assistive Technology Rehabilitation Telehealth & Digital Health

Simple Explanation

This article introduces the NeuroSuitUp platform, which combines wearable robotics (jacket and gloves) with a serious game for neurorehabilitation. The system uses sensors to track body movements and actuators (electrical muscle stimulation and pneumatics) to assist with movement. Validation trials with healthy subjects showed acceptable correlation between the system's measurements and actual movements, with no reported difficulty or discomfort.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

10 healthy subjects

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Acceptable correlation was observed in 23/30 arm exercises performed with the jacket, validating the MARG approach.
2
No significant differences in glove sensor data during actuation state were observed, indicating the glove's ability to generate enough force for basic ADLs.
3
Participants reported no difficulty to use, discomfort, or negative robotics perception, indicating good usability.

Research Summary

The NeuroSuitUp platform, consisting of a wearable robotics jacket and gloves combined with a serious game, is presented for motor rehabilitation. Validation experiments with healthy subjects showed acceptable correlation between the system's measurements and actual movements, particularly for arm exercises. The study concludes that the NeuroSuitUp platform holds promise for motor rehabilitation and outlines future development steps to enhance its robustness and clinical applicability.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Tool

Offers a novel tool for motor rehabilitation, particularly for individuals with SCI and stroke, by combining robotics and serious gaming.

Personalized Therapy

Enables personalized therapy through modular devices and applications, considering individual needs and optimal cooperation of underlying technologies.

Enhanced Engagement

Serious gaming component increases patient motivation and long-term engagement in rehabilitation exercises.

Study Limitations

1
Limited sample size (10 healthy participants).
2
Discrepancies in sampling rates between the stereoscopic camera and serious game application.
3
Need for improved hardware design for stability and robustness, particularly for patient populations.

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