Open AccessPreliminary development and technical evaluation of a belt-actuated robotic rehabilitation platform
Author(s) -
Juan Fang,
Andras Schuwey,
Niklaus Stocker,
Brian Pedrini,
António Rodrigues Sampaio,
Kenneth J. Hunt
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
technology and health care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.281
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1878-7401
pISSN - 0928-7329
DOI - 10.3233/thc-202392
Subject(s) - supine position , rehabilitation , simulation , computer science , robotic arm , test (biology) , physical medicine and rehabilitation , medicine , artificial intelligence , physical therapy , geology , surgery , paleontology
BACKGROUND: To provide effective rehabilitation in the early post-injury stage, a novel robotic rehabilitation platform is proposed, which provides full-body arm-leg rehabilitation via belt actuation to severely disabled patients who are restricted to bed rest. OBJECTIVE: To design and technically evaluate the preliminary development of the rehabilitation platform, with focus on the generation of various leg movements. METHODS: Two computer models were developed by importing the components from SolidWorks into Simscape Multibody in MATLAB. This allowed simulation of various stepping movements in supine-lying and side-lying positions. Two belt-actuated test rigs were manufactured and automatic control programs were developed in TIA Portal. Finally, the functionality of the test rigs was technically evaluated. RESULTS: Computer simulation yielded target positions for the generation of various stepping movements in the experimental platforms. The control system enabled the two-drive test rig to provide three modes of stepping in a supine position. In addition, the four-drive test rig produced walking-like stepping in a side-lying position. CONCLUSIONS: This work confirmed the feasibility of the mechanical development and control system of the test rigs, which are deemed applicable for further development of the overall novel robotic rehabilitation platform.