A Novel Wearable for Rehabilitation Using Infrared Sensors: A Preliminary Investigation

In this paper we outline a novel design of a wireless sensor wearable band for tracking patient movements. This technology and design has potential applications for rehabilitation of stroke survivors who suffer from spasticity in their upper extremities. This technology could be used to track patient movement performed in a non-clinical environment, such as inside the comfort of their home. Data on their treatment progress could be transmitted wirelessly both to the clinician and to the patient. This technology could help realize increased monitoring of the patient, quantitative data on patient improvement over time and decreased health care costs. In this paper we demonstrated a preliminary prototype which can track and distinguish classes of movement of a user performing elbow flexion exercises while seated at a table. A study was completed with 6 participants with classification accuracies up to 88%.