Preliminary Tests of a New Hybrid Fes- Exoskeleton Assisting Device for the Upper Limb in Stroke Patients

Neuroplasticity is the functional recovery after a nerve injury which consists in reorganization of nervous tissue based on the formation of new connections between neurons and synthesis of new cells. This paper proposes new devices which open new ways of functional recovery of the upper limb in disabled people, whom functions were partially or totally lost by CVA (cerebrovascular accident), head injuries, spinal injuries, etc. The proposed systems combine anthropometric dimensioned mechanical structures of exoskeleton types and functional electrical stimulation technology, with modular and reconfigurable design, fact that makes them adaptable for either the right or left upper limb. The role of robotics rehabilitation devices is essentially in any health care system by reducing the rehabilitation treatment costs.