APPLICATION OF ROBOTS CONTROLLED BY EMG SIGNALS IN PHYSIOTHERAPY AND REHABILITATION

Abstract

In this paper we have shown therapies assisted with electromyogram controled robots (in furthers text EMG signal) for patients that survived a stroke. The patient's atempt to go through an instructed movement is tracked by looking at EMG signal of the muscles that are responsible for that movement. After detecting the attempt of movement, the robot helps the patient perform the movement in horizontal line. By measuring and evaluating certan parameters of EMG signals during repated therapies the system can track the progress of rehabilitation from stroke, and therefore adapt the therapy.

This paper focuses on some of the available solutions and usage of EMG signals for controling robots for rehabilitation of patients that have survived a stroke. We mentioned some of the procedures of using certain robots and patient-therapist reaction to the given therapies and its benefits and shortcomings.