SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ASSESSING AND TRAINING WRIST JOINT PROPRIOCEPTIVE FUNCTION

摘要

A comprehensive system for treatment of wrist joint proprioception. The system includes a manipulandum unit and a controller. The unit includes a base, a handle, a linkage assembly, and motors. The base supports a subject's forearm, and the handle is gripped by the palm. The linkage assembly connects the handle to the base, and establishes three DOFs. The motors are operatively connected to the linkage assembly. The controller is programmed to actuate, and receive feedback information from, each of the plurality of motors. Further, the controller is programmed to perform wrist proprioception assessment operations by actuating the plurality of motors to effectuate movement of the handle relative to the base in a prescribed manner indicative of position motion sense acuity as an objective measure of wrist proprioception functioning. The controller is optionally further programmed to perform rehabilitation training via controlled operation of the unit and a virtually reality environment.

主权项

1. A system for treating wrist joint proprioception, the system comprising:
a manipulandum unit including:
a base configured to support a subject's forearm,a handle configured to be gripped by a subject's palm,a linkage assembly connecting the handle to the base, the linkage assembly establishing three degrees of freedom of movement of the handle relative to the base,a plurality of motors operatively connected to the linkage assembly; and a controller electronically connected to the manipulandum unit and programmed to:
actuate each of the plurality of motors,receive feedback information from each of the plurality of motors,perform a proprioception assessment operation for objectively measuring proprioceptive function of a subject's wrist joint, including actuating at least one of the plurality of motors to effectuate movement of the handle relative to the base in a pre-determined manner, the assessment operation including a position sense routine in which the plurality of motors are actuated by the controller to:
establish a reference position of the handle relative to the base,move the handle about a first axis from the reference position to a standard position, and from the standard position to the reference position,move the handle about the first axis from the reference position to a first comparison position, and from the first comparison position to the reference position,wherein the controller is programmed to establish a pre-determined difference between the standard position and the first comparison position, and further wherein a subject's ability to perceive the difference is indicative of a subject's proprioceptive wrist position sensor acuity as an objective measure of a subject's wrist joint proprioceptive function.