Task-orientated multimodal feedback system for the rehabilitation of the upper limb

This thesis reports on the design and development of a software environment whichallows the implementation of task-based physiotherapy for the upper limb providingat the same time effective multimodal feedback to the user. The softwareenvironment, Rehab Lab, uses the University of Salford Soft Exoskeleton as amedium for delivering therapy.The aim of this project is to investigate how to use an arm exoskeleton operating in 3-Dimensional space in conjunction with a multimodal software environment forpotentially helping stroke patients regain functional independence by relearningactivities of the daily living. More specifically, the software would provide a way ofsynthesising and executing therapeutic protocols. Three types of protocols aresupported by Rehab Lab; Joint Warm-up Protocols, Muscle Activation Protocols andFunctional Reaching Protocols. The software environment would also providetherapists and patients with quality multimodal feedback. Feedback is important fortherapists in order to assess patients' progress. It is also important for patients hi orderto help them monitor their physiological responses and therefore attempt to controlthem. The latter makes feedback a powerful motivating reason to engage in thetherapy.The software environment developed, Rehab Lab, mainly consists of a module thatpermits synthesis and execution of therapeutic protocols. The building blocks of theprotocols are tasks, which vary from basic to more complex ones. A high-levelcontroller module is responsible for resolving a protocol to its tasks and executingthem in turn. Each protocol can have properties such as resting period between twoconsecutive tasks. Each task can have properties such as speed and number ofrepetitions. Rehab Lab also contains a virtual environment which provides the setupfor the functional tasks to be executed as well as a means of providing effectivefeedback.

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

Doctoral (Level 8)

Year dc:date.issued

2007

Author dc:creator

• Kousidou, S

Language dc:language

en

Identifier

oai:salford-repository.worktribe.com:1337068

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:salford-repository.worktribe.com:1337068