Rehab@home: a tool for home-based motor function rehabilitation

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Technology
• Digital Health

Background:

• Neurological conditions often require extensive rehabilitation, traditionally supervised by physiotherapists.
• Home-based rehabilitation can improve patient adherence and accessibility but often lacks objective feedback and adaptability.
• The sit-to-stand (STS) movement and balance are critical functional abilities affected by neurological deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Rehab@home system, a novel tool for unsupervised, at-home rehabilitation of neurological patients.
• To focus the system's capabilities on improving balance and sit-to-stand (STS) movement.
• To enable therapists to monitor and adapt rehabilitation programs remotely.

Main Methods:

• The Rehab@home system utilizes two Wii balance boards, a webcam, and a computer.
• It features distinct software applications for patient exercise execution and therapist data visualization.
• Automated assessment of movement correctness is performed by processing data from sensors and the webcam.

Main Results:

• The system offers exercises for balance (sitting and standing) and STS movements, providing automated patient feedback.
• Collected data is stored for therapist analysis, allowing for exercise difficulty adjustments.
• Preliminary user feedback from seven patients indicated high engagement and preference over conventional therapy.

Conclusions:

• The Rehab@home system shows promise as a valuable tool to supplement conventional physical therapy for neurological patients.
• Its adaptability and engaging nature, coupled with automated feedback, can accelerate rehabilitation and improve functional outcomes at home.
• Patient feedback suggests a positive reception and perceived benefit, highlighting its potential to enhance the rehabilitation process.