Sensing equivalent kinematics enables robot-assisted mirror rehabilitation training via a broaden learning system

Abstract

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IntroductionRobot-assisted mirror therapy has been widely developed to help remodeling of premotor cortex for patients suffering from motor disability of limbs. Nevertheless, it is difficult to achieve real-time adaptive control in robot-assisted mirror rehabilitation training, particularly for patients with varying levels of limb impairment.MethodsThis paper proposes an equivalent kinematics control framework based on the Broaden Learning System model for active robotic mirror rehabilitation, where people’s bilateral upper limbs actively perform mirror movements to enhance the impaired limb’s participation. The framework accommodates a broaden learning model from sensing multi-kinematic features to adjust the robotic damping coefficient in assisting human participants to complete mirror-symmetry training. Besides, in order to adapt to inter-patients’ variability with different disability levels, a challenge-level modification interface is also fused for safer training. This model is verified by additional symmetry indicator such as position trajectory error and force.ResultsExperimental results show that the weaker subjects can also maintain mirror movement with the stronger subjects under the help of this model and verify the performance of framework in mirror-symmetry effects and movement smoothness. This leads us to believe that the framework can safely and efficiently assist human participants in completing mirror-symmetry movement.DiscussionThe framework has the potential to improve outcomes in smoother and safer mirror-symmetry training by sensing multi-kinematic features. Future studies are necessary to involve clinical trials with actual patients.

Keywords

• robotic mirror rehabilitation
• physical human-robot interaction
• equivalent kinematics
• broaden learning system
• robotic control