Regresar

Virtual Rehabilitation System Using Electromyographic Sensors for Strengthening Upper Extremities

Abstract:

This work presents a virtual system for the rehabilitation of the upper extremities, using the MYO Smart Band device for the acquisition of electromyographic signals produced by the user. Processing and managing of these signals are done through the SDK provided by the manufacturer of the bracelet which is compatible with the MATLAB software. The virtual environment is developed in the Unity 3D graphics engine, in which three-dimensional objects that were previously designed in the 3ds Max software are implemented. The application presents the user with a virtual scenario set in a natural landscape, in which there is a van that must be driven on a certain path (the complexity is increasing). The videogame is of low complexity, since it seeks to avoid situations of stress while the rehabilitation process takes place. Each task in the application is associated with a hand and forearm movement of the user; it means the patient is given an alternative tool that allows him/her to perform exercises that improve his/her extremity active mobility, mitigating the routine effects of a conventional session. To validate this proposal, it is tested by five retired military personnel in passive state, to whom the using task ease (SEQ) usability test is applied. The result is (58,8 ± 0,27), which shows that this interactive interface has a good acceptance when being in the range between 40 and 65.