An Auxiliary Rehabilitation Device for Patients with Muscle Tremors

Overview

Patients coping with conditions such as Parkinson’s often face challenges with irregular tremors and finger stiffness, resulting in diminished normal finger functionality. Research underscores the potential advantages of integrating medication therapy with rehabilitation device training for finger joints, playing a crucial role in restoring active mobility by facilitating passive finger movement and enhancing flexibility. This auxiliary rehabilitation device undergoes in -depth research on pneumatic -driven Extensible Pneumatic Muscles. The relays and air pumps are precisely controlled by an Arduino board, effectively managing the inflation and deflation of the Extensible Pneumati c Muscles system in each finger . This capability actively guides finger flexion and extension during rehabilitation training. The maximum flexion angle of the device can reach 70 degrees, with a deviation of less than +/-10%. Additionally, the rehabilitation device assesses the recovery status by analyzing the maximum flexion angle changes in the patient's self -training finger movements over a period of time. Equipped with an accelerometer, it aids in scale rating the tremors associated with Parkinson's fingers, enabling at -home monitorin g. The device further extends its functionality to life assistance, commonly utilized to prevent inadvertent actions by restraining fingers affected by tremors from unintentionally clicking the mouse during movement. This design incorporates a mobile app, allowing users to effortlessly and swiftly connect to rehabilitation equipment. It leverages the portability of both mobile phones and rehabilitation equipment, enhancing convenience of the device.