Single limb cable driven wearable robotic device for upper extremity movement support after traumatic brain injury

Area of Science:

• Robotics
• Neurorehabilitation
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Soft exosuits offer upper limb assistance, but often support only single joint movements.
• A novel portable wearable robotic device (WRD), named Armstrong, is designed to support three degrees-of-freedom of arm movements.
• This study evaluates the feasibility of Armstrong for individuals with hemiparesis following traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the design of the Armstrong WRD.
• To assess the feasibility of Armstrong for upper limb movement support in individuals with TBI.
• To evaluate the device's effectiveness in improving movement quality.

Main Methods:

• The Armstrong WRD was evaluated in a pilot study with two individuals post-TBI and two healthy controls.
• Testing included various arm movements (elbow flexion/extension, shoulder abduction) with and without robotic-assisted stabilization.
• Outcome measures focused on range of motion and root mean square trajectory and velocity errors.

Main Results:

• TBI subjects utilized active, passive, hybrid, and active assistive movement modes with Armstrong.
• Armstrong use led to improvements in movement trajectory and velocity for TBI subjects.
• Specific benefits were observed for individuals with upper extremity weakness, muscle tone, and impaired coordination.

Conclusions:

• The Armstrong WRD is safe and feasible for assisting upper extremity movement in individuals with TBI.
• Therapist supervision is recommended for optimal use.
• This technology shows potential for enhancing rehabilitation outcomes in TBI patients.