Stroke Rehab Robotics

Abstract

This Capstone project focuses on a soft robotic elbow brace designed to treat spasticity in patients in stroke rehabilitation therapy. It delivers real-time muscle data to occupational therapists while straightening the forearm and hand muscles. Spasticity, characterized by muscle stiffness and involuntary contractions, presents a major barrier to recovery for stroke patients, affecting both comfort and mobility. Existing treatments, such as passive braces and physical therapy, often fall short in providing comfortable, painless support. Due to insurance costs, many patients aren’t able to spend as much time as needed with therapists to achieve substantial healing. Our product is designed to bridge this gap by empowering patients to conduct their own therapy sessions at home.

The device’s design incorporates flexible materials and embedded sensors, allowing it to conform to the patient’s arm and detect muscle activity levels, joint angles, pressure, and spastic responses. These sensors enable continuous feedback, allowing the occupational therapist to adjust the device in response to real-time data to support muscle relaxation and improve elbow range of motion safely. The soft robotic components provide the necessary flexibility and comfort, making the brace suitable for extended use in both clinical and home settings.

Manufacturing leverages scalable, cost-effective components like adjustable soft actuators, pressure, and EMG sensors,overall priced competitively at around $5,000. Large-scale production and partnerships with healthcare providers could further reduce estimated costs. Our targeted approach offers a cost-effective option compared to current products with our average device cost around $5,000. The product will enter the Stroke Rehabilitation market with a CAGR of 17.3%. Overall, this device aims to fill a critical gap in stroke rehabilitation by delivering a cost-effective, user-friendly, and adaptable solution that promotes recovery in a responsive manner.

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