Advisor Information
Dr. Jorge Zuniga
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
1-3-2019 2:00 PM
End Date
1-3-2019 3:15 PM
Abstract
Objective: The main objective of this study was to determine functional and neuromuscular outcomes of stroke patients using their non-preferred hand with and without a 3D printed passive exoskeleton compared to controls using their non-preferred hand with and without the passive exoskeleton. Methods: Adults at least six months post stroke (Stroke, n = 5) and age- and sex- matched healthy controls (Control, n = 5) performed nine trials of a gross motor task while having their brain activity measured. The Fugl-Meyer and “Box and Block” test was used to measure the gross dexterity of the subjects with and without the exoskeleton. Strength testing, muscle activation and co-activation of the subjects’ forearms were measured during maximal voluntary contractions. Furthermore, EMG was measured during the Box and Block test and satisfaction and usability of the 3D printed exoskeleton were assessed using standardized questionnaires. Results: Separate two-way repeated ANOVAs were used to investigate the functional and neuromuscular outcomes. There was an interaction [F(1,4) = 41.60; p = .003, ηp2 = 0.912] with an observed power of 0.996. Decomposing the model, a dependent t-test (p = 0.004) showed the stroke subject’s preferred hand moved more blocks than the stroke subject’s non- preferred hand. The exoskeleton received an average QUEST score of 4.23 out of a maximum score of 5 and SUS score of 79.50 out of 100. Conclusion: The main finding showed the passive exoskeleton did not improve function or neuromuscular outcomes for the stroke patients.
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Included in
Biomedical Devices and Instrumentation Commons, Computer-Aided Engineering and Design Commons, Orthotics and Prosthetics Commons
Developing and Testing of an Upper Limb Exoskeleton for Stroke Patients
Objective: The main objective of this study was to determine functional and neuromuscular outcomes of stroke patients using their non-preferred hand with and without a 3D printed passive exoskeleton compared to controls using their non-preferred hand with and without the passive exoskeleton. Methods: Adults at least six months post stroke (Stroke, n = 5) and age- and sex- matched healthy controls (Control, n = 5) performed nine trials of a gross motor task while having their brain activity measured. The Fugl-Meyer and “Box and Block” test was used to measure the gross dexterity of the subjects with and without the exoskeleton. Strength testing, muscle activation and co-activation of the subjects’ forearms were measured during maximal voluntary contractions. Furthermore, EMG was measured during the Box and Block test and satisfaction and usability of the 3D printed exoskeleton were assessed using standardized questionnaires. Results: Separate two-way repeated ANOVAs were used to investigate the functional and neuromuscular outcomes. There was an interaction [F(1,4) = 41.60; p = .003, ηp2 = 0.912] with an observed power of 0.996. Decomposing the model, a dependent t-test (p = 0.004) showed the stroke subject’s preferred hand moved more blocks than the stroke subject’s non- preferred hand. The exoskeleton received an average QUEST score of 4.23 out of a maximum score of 5 and SUS score of 79.50 out of 100. Conclusion: The main finding showed the passive exoskeleton did not improve function or neuromuscular outcomes for the stroke patients.