ArmAssist: Development of a functional prototype for at-home telerehabilitation of post-stroke arm impairment

Growing numbers of stroke survivors are leading to increasing numbers of motor deficits, the majority of which include deficiencies in arm function. There is a strong need, therefore, to find new tools and strategies for providing efficient and effective sub-acute patient care. The requirements for such a device are outlined from both patient and therapist perspectives, and a new prototype system for sub-acute arm training in post-stroke care is presented. The complete system is composed of a base module with quick-connecting hand and forearm orthoses, a global position detection mat, and an all-in-one touchscreen PC with telerehabilitation software and interfaces. The size and portability of the system allow it to be easily moved and setup in the patient home to enable increased durations and intensity of training outside of the standard inclinic care.