Development of an implicit method for directing weight shifting to the affected side in patients with stroke: a proof of concept study

ROBOMECH Journal

Yu Kitaji¹  Hiroaki Harashima¹  Kenta Saichi²  Hiroyasu Iwata²  Kazuhiro Yasuda³ 

[1] Department of Rehabilitation, Tokyo General Hospital, Tokyo, Japan;Graduate School of Creative Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan;Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan

关键词: Stroke;    Rehabilitation;    Postural control;    Weight shift;    Fear of falling;    Human–machine interaction;    Wearable device;    Just-noticeable difference;    Perception;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s40648-017-0094-2

学科分类：人工智能

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

Weight-shift training during stroke rehabilitation requires patient effort, potentially causing leg spasticity and anxiety, which disturb motor learning. The purpose of this study was (1) to devise an implicit guidance method for weight bearing that uses vibratory cues (and is therefore low exertion) and (2) to determine if the implicit guidance method is feasible. The first experiment included 12 healthy subjects. We conducted an experiment to produce a Weber’s fraction capable of calculating a just-noticeable difference during a weight-shifting task. We then applied this Weber’s fraction to a weight-shifting task in a patient with stroke. Using the implicit guidance method, the patient did not perceive an increase in weight bearing while weight shifting. Furthermore, the implicit guidance method appeared to reduce anxiety during training. This implicit guidance system warrants further investigation.

【 授权许可】

CC BY