Upper Extremity Rehabilitation Program Using Inertial Sensors and Virtual Reality for Patients with Upper Extremity Hemiplegia due to Disorders after Stroke

Among the hemiplegic disorders caused by complications of stroke, the functional recovery of upper extremities is slower than the recovery of other functions. In this study, a wireless motion tracking system to transfer motion data on the patient's upper extremity movements was developed using inertial sensors consisting of a three-axis accelerometer, gyro, and geo-magnetic sensor. In addition, motion data were processed and upper extremity movement was represented through a virtual-reality upper extremity rehabilitation program. Quantitative evaluation indicators reflecting upper extremity function could be produced based on performance verification using test subjects with normal upper extremity function. The patients could then assess their own performance status and select appropriate training methods to increase rehabilitation effectiveness without the assistance of a therapist. Future studies will verify the availability and reliability of upper extremity rehabilitation program for patients with hemiplegia, and further develop the three-dimensional upper extremity rehabilitation therapy program.