Semi-automatic continuous passive motion physiotherapeutic device for post stroke patients

A Stroke is the rapid loss of brain function due to disturbance in the blood supply to the brain. This can be caused due to a blockage or haemorrhage. The patient might suddenly lose the ability to speak move or see. It affects the motor neurons causing memory problems or parts of the body to be paralyzed. The most common outcome is contracture of involuntary muscles disabling one´s ability to move/perform basic motions of the hind/fore limbs. Through this project, an attempt has been at catering to the patients of acute contraction of muscles. A semi-automatic device is designed to help the patient regain control of his muscles by physical therapy exercises. The device is worn over the affected part of the body (example the hand/foot). The doctor then does the first exercise, by moving the patient´s affected region and the device stores the direction and speed of motion thereby following it periodically. The motion control in the device ensures that the movement is safe and within limits and ensures the highest accuracy. The signal from the motion detectors - Bend Sensors and Accelerometers feed the onboard Microcontroller inputs of speed and angle. The Microcontroller analyzes the data and repeats the same action. The mechanical control of the axes is controlled by a motor. The design and development of the entire system has been achieved. The system requires further conditioning on the input and output modules to improve reliability and accuracy.