Development of an EMG-ACC-Based Upper Limb Rehabilitation Training System

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Technology
• Pediatric Neurology

Background:

• Cerebral palsy (CP) significantly impacts upper limb motor function in children.
• In-home rehabilitation is crucial for consistent therapeutic intervention.
• Existing systems often lack engaging features for pediatric users.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel upper limb rehabilitation training system for children with CP.
• To integrate portable accelerometers (ACC) and surface electromyography (SEMG) sensors for functional movement capture.
• To design engaging rehabilitation games accessible via an Android platform.

Main Methods:

• Development of a wireless EMG-ACC acquisition device functioning as a game controller.
• Creation of three rehabilitation games utilizing the Box2D physics engine for upper limb motor function improvement.
• System performance testing, user feedback collection via questionnaires from 20 CP subjects, and long-term training assessment with 3 CP subjects.

Main Results:

• The system demonstrated rapid response times to upper limb actions, within 210 ms.
• Positive feedback confirmed the system's feasibility and usability among CP subjects.
• Long-term training showed that CP patients improved game performance with persistent practice, highlighting the need for sustained rehabilitation efforts.

Conclusions:

• The developed SEMG-ACC-based system offers a feasible and usable solution for in-home upper limb rehabilitation in children with CP.
• The multi-feedback user interface enhances user initiative and performance in rehabilitation training.
• Repetitive and persistent training is essential for maximizing the rehabilitation effects of the system.