A Soft and Smart Telehealth System Hand Rehabilitation Device for Grasping Force Assessment of Post Stroke Patients

• Main Author: Martinho, Mafalda Miranda Salreu
• Publication Date: 2023
• Format: Master thesis
• Language: eng
• Source: Repositórios Científicos de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (RCAAP)
• Download full: http://hdl.handle.net/10362/160937
• topic: Stroke; Hand rehabilitation; Sensorised objects; Grasping force; Flexible sensors; Hand Anatomy; Domínio/Área Científica::Engenharia e Tecnologia::Outras Engenharias e Tecnologias

The assessment of post-stroke patient rehabilitation currently lacks a comprehensive ap- proach, often relying on subjective evaluations without a universally accepted quantitative method. In this study, a sensorised device was developed to contribute to bridging this gap. This device interfaces with a platform enabling therapists to visually analyse real-time data and facilitates data retrieval for in-depth analysis. This research involved the creation and characterisation of several pneumatic sensors using Finite Element Anaysis (FEA) and mechanical testing. After meticulous shape selection, multiple sensors were calibrated and integrated into a cylindrical object. Com- munication was established through two multiplexers and an Arduino Nano, resulting in a compact and portable object. This system was then connected to a laptop via USB, utilising a LabVIEW program as the user interface. This program enabled the concurrent measurement of individual finger forces during grasping movements for both hands. Real-time data visualization and subsequent data retrieval were also supported. The system adeptly addresses the identified limitations, emerging as a cost-effective, precise, and adaptable tool. Subsequent improvements are expected to fine-tune its precision, durability, and relevance within stroke rehabilitation scenarios. In this regard, the innovative tool, which is the primary contribution of this study, holds the potential to substantially elevate rehabilitation strategies and play a pivotal role in augmenting the recovery process. The research work described in this dissertation was carried out in accordance with the norms established in the ethics code of Universidade Nova de Lisboa. The work described and the material presented in this dissertation, with the exceptions clearly indicated, constitute original work carried out by the author.