Development and testing of a low-cost diagnostic tool for upper limb dysfunction

The overall goal of our research is to create a low-cost, home-based diagnostic and rehabilitation tool (see video) to assist the rapid functional recovery of people with Upper Limb (UL) dysfunction (due to muscular dystrophy and stroke) – the diagnostic aspect of which is discussed in this paper. Viewed in the broader context of robotassisted neurorehabilitation, the proposed framework takes advantage of manipulation of an instrumented manipulandum along prescribed movement patterns to create a sensitive, quantitative, computer-based assessment/diagnostic tool. Specifically, in this paper, we discuss various aspects of an implementation using a COTS force-feedback driving wheel, interfaced to a PC to create a Virtual Driving Environment (VDE). Coupled with the exercise/movement protocols (structured as driving exercises along paths of varying complexity), this results in creation of a low-cost, user-friendly and immersive personal-movement trainer that is well suited for deployment in patients’ homes. Our initial analysis of data collected from 5 healthy subjects indicates that the tool has adequate sensitivity/resolution to distinguish even between healthy subjects and shows considerable promise for diagnosis in diseased population (which is currently underway).