Combination of electrical stimulation and exoskeleton

The system developed by researchers specifically stimulates the muscles in the forearm to facilitate movements such as grasping objects or coordinating fingers. Since a stroke often affects an entire side of the body and not just the hand, an additional exoskeleton supports the entire arm up to the shoulder. This enables patients to begin targeted exercises shortly after the stroke. 

To make rehabilitation measures engaging, the researchers integrate an interactive computer game. On a screen, balls of different colors and speeds fly towards the patients, who must catch them and match them to the appropriate color-coded boxes. The game's difficulty level automatically adjusts to individual abilities, making the therapy both challenging and motivating. 

A major advantage of the modular system is that patients can continue their training independently at home. Carmen Krewer, team lead of the research group at Schön Klinik Bad Aibling, highlights: “Such a modular system with electrical stimulation and exoskeleton has never existed. It also enables stroke sufferers to continue training at home without the support of others.” 

• Recording muscle activity: Researchers measure electrical voltage in the muscle to analyze the condition of nerve connections between the brain and muscles. 

• Functional electrical stimulation (FES): A film with 32 electrodes is attached to the forearm to activate specific fingers or the entire hand. 

• Exoskeleton support: Using Spring mechanisms or motors, the exoskeleton facilitates arm and shoulder movement, helping patients relearn coordinated motion. 

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: Technical University of Munich