Active and Progressive Exoskeleton Rehabilitation Using Multisource Information Fusion From EMG and Force-Position...

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Biomedical Technology
• Neurorehabilitation

Background:

• Exoskeletons are widely used for gait training but underutilized in early poststroke rehabilitation.
• Early rehabilitation is crucial for improving motor function recovery after stroke.
• Current rehabilitation methods may lack objective measures for progressive treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel healthcare technology for active and progressive early stroke rehabilitation.
• To investigate the use of multisource information fusion for enhanced rehabilitation.
• To develop an exoskeleton system with active compliance for safe and effective patient interaction.

Main Methods:

• Utilized multisource information fusion from surface electromyography (sEMG) and force-position extended physiological proprioception (EPP).
• Implemented active-compliance control based on patient-exoskeleton interaction force.
• Designed a clinic-oriented system with a lower extremity exoskeleton integrated with a standing bed.

Main Results:

• Preliminary experiments and clinical trials demonstrated the system's feasibility and safety.
• The active-compliance control accelerated neuromuscular function recovery.
• Progressive treatment facilitated effective and appropriate physical rehabilitation.

Conclusions:

• The developed exoskeleton-assisted training system is feasible, safe, and effective for early poststroke rehabilitation.
• Multisource information fusion and active-compliance control enhance neuromuscular recovery.
• This technology offers a promising approach for progressive and personalized physical rehabilitation.