Development of an integrated rehabilitation workstation for stroke patients using the unified EEG/SEMG upper extremity orthosis

Abstract

Stroke disables approximately 5 million patients every year. According to study conducted by Timmerman (2009) only 6-10% of those who suffer hand paralysis after stroke worldwide fully recover functional use of the hand. One reason is that stroke patients are usually discharged from hospital once they can walk again. This leaves them with a lot of out-patient therapy for rehabilitating hand function which may take a very long time and is very expensive. The loss of hand function after stroke does not allow patients to return to independent living. This results in an ever increasing cost on society and on individuals. In a country like Singapore with a rapidly ageing population this problem is expected to put a serious strain on resources in future. There is an urgent need to develop technology which can allow patients the option of not only doing therapy in the clinic but also at home with a portable and affordable system.