A variable structure pantograph mechanism for comprehensive upper extremity haptic movement training

Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2010:2010:5859-62. doi: 10.1109/IEMBS.2010.5627515.

Abstract

Numerous haptic devices have been developed for neurorehabilitation of upper extremities, but their wide-spread use has been largely impeded for reasons of complexity and cost. In this paper we describe a variable structure pantograph mechanism that produces a versatile rehabilitation robot for movement training of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist. The device has three operational modes: ARM, REACH and WRIST. The performance of the mechanism, driven by series elastic actuators, is similar in all three operational modes while using a single control scheme and set of gains. This means a single device with minimal setup changes can be used to treat a variety of upper limb impairments following stroke, traumatic brain injury, or other direct trauma to the arm.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Humans
  • Movement / physiology*
  • Physical Therapy Modalities / instrumentation*
  • Robotics / instrumentation*
  • Robotics / methods*
  • Touch / physiology*
  • Upper Extremity / physiology*