Development of a Wearable Robot for Motor Rehabilitation in Acute Stroke

This project develops a wearable rehabilitation robot to train acute stroke survivors to improve their mobility as early as possible, as much as possible, and regain function and independence. Stroke survivors often have considerable ankle impairments, including spasticity, contracture, muscle weakness and motor impairment, contributing directly to their impaired balance and asymmetrical slow locomotion. Early intensive rehabilitation post-stroke is critical in promoting neuroplasticity, which occurs immediately after stroke, and improving functional outcomes. The wearable ankle rehabilitation robot closely interacts with the user and provides (1) closely guided motor relearning based on progressive augmented feedback with simplified tasks, and sensitive detection of re-emerging motor output signals; (2) intensive combined passive stretching and active task-related mobility training with progressive postures of in-bed, sitting, standing, and locomotion, covering hospital wards, rehabilitation clinics, and patients home settings; and (3) quantitative assessment of improvements using neuromechanical and clinical outcome measurements.