Designing an Exo-Suit for Enhanced Mirror Therapy in Stroke Rehabilitation

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability globally, with approximately $\mathbf{1 5}$ million new cases annually. It often results in significant limb impairment, severely affecting quality of life, independence, and mental health. Effective rehabilitation is crucial for recovery, yet many patients face barriers due to costly options and limited access to therapy centers. To address these issues, we developed a lightweight, wearable device for upper-limb rehabilitation that is easy to manufacture using readily available parts. It enables at-home therapy through Robot-Assisted Mirror Therapy (RAMT), which enhances traditional mirror therapy by integrating robotic assistance for movement replication. The device detects movements from the healthy limb and mirrors them onto the paralyzed limb using a robotic component. This portable system controls the shoulder and finger joints using a 3D-printed hand exoskeleton, pulleys, linear actuators, and worm gear motors. Movement detection relies on flex sensors for the fingers and an accelerometer for the shoulder, ensuring precise motion replication. Experimental results demonstrated a payload capacity of up to 3 kg for shoulder lifting tasks and successful finger closure with a response time of 0.57 seconds. These specifications are sufficient for performing activities of daily living (ADLs) such as arm elevation and object manipulation. The device offers a cost-effective alternative to full-arm continuous passive motion (CPM) systems, enhancing rehabilitation accessibility for home-based therapy. Nonetheless, patient-specific factors, including limb length and muscle tone, require individual calibration to ensure optimal performance. The findings suggest that the proposed exosuit is a viable solution for facilitating functional motor recovery in stroke patients with upper-limb impairments.