Developing a Multilateral Telerehabilitation System for Patient with Diminished Hand Function

Telerehabilitation or E-rehabilitation is the delivery of rehabilitation services over telecom networks. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are about 650 million people with disabilities worldwide; these statistics drive the need for a more applicable Telehealthcare Systems. This paper aims to provide a design description of a novel multilateral telerehabilitation system for Patient with diminished hand function which needs minimum interaction between patient and therapist. The proposed configuration consists of the Central Intelligent System (CIS) including multi-function modules in a homepage for patient in physiotherapy office, and a Hand Rehabilitation System including a Robot, Motion Analysis Module as well as Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) in patient’s home. This system works by a diagnostic feedback from a Hand Rehabilitation System to the Central Intelligent System (CIS). Patient fixes sensors on his hand and doing daily activity. Data transmitted by WSN will be analyzed by the Motion Analysis Module in order to diagnose the latest degree of recovery. Information is feed backed automatically to the CIS through network. An appropriate program corresponding to the feed-backed information will be prepared by CIS and transmitted into the robot. After doing exercise by the system, joint angles are measured and send to the CIS again to diagnose the level of patient recovery. Cost of care by this configuration will be reduced significantly. This paper presents a prototype that successfully operates as a multilateral telerehabilitation system.