Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
of the “traditional approach.” The main technical feature includes an asynchronous link
between the home system (portable unit) and the professional installation, which allows
offline data monitoring and configuration of the exercises.
16.3.4 Proposed Approach
The experimental paradigm of the Nu!Reha Desk has been the use of the technological fea-
tures with the facilitation of motor recovery. In fact, according to the most recent studies,
motor action is facilitated by a significant contextual environment. On the basis of these
observations in rehabilitation, a therapy based on the task has been developed (Smith et al.
1999; Michelle et al. 2007).
Taking into account this organization of motor control, a virtual reality approach seems
to be inapplicable in rehabilitation activity; therefore, the system is based on the use of a
purposely conceived “activity desk” for the execution of occupational therapy tasks and
exercises, allowing different grasping actions and interactions with sensorized objects.
The device is composed of a base unit and a list of components that have different func-
tionalities and scopes of utilization depending on their connection to the base unit.
•
The base unit:
The desk supporting the core structure of the system (both hardware
and software). It is intended as the basic module of the whole system: All other
modules or subsystems are to be connected to this unit.
•
Control pad:
It allows the control of the system interface by the caregiver assisting
the patient during the exercises.
•
Shelf:
A shelf-like tool useful for the execution of vertical-displacement-based
exercises; it is equipped with an array of infrared proximity sensors allowing the
detection of the presence of a sensorized object (an object covered by reflective
labels).
•
Keyboard module:
Module for the execution of exercises consisting of inputting a
sequence of numbers with a telephone/POS-like keyboard.
•
Radio frequency tool:
A plastic cylinder containing an internal transceiver that
allows for its horizontal localization.
•
Video cameras and supports:
A couple of webcams with articulated stands supplied
for the video recording of the exercises performed by the patient.
•
Accessories:
A list of accessories is supplied to keep the system usage simple and
feasible; accessories include a sensorized pen, plastic jars and cups, a topic-like
reproduction, and foam cubes.
By means of accessories and sensors, a number of different exercises can be configured
directly by the therapist allowing a full customizable environment in which to perform
different grasp/grip actions and upper limb movements. Writing and pregraphism exer-
cises and vertical and horizontal object displacements can be performed and monitored
by the system.
The system (PU) is based on a sensorized LCD surface placed in front of the patient
and acting as an interface and working area for the execution of exercises. A single board
computer placed inside of the table supports the execution of all tasks and acquisitions
requested by each exercise. A WiFi interface allows the connection to external LAN or
ADSL connections for data uploading and configuration retrieval from an external server.
