Title:  Development And Evaluation Of Tongue Operated Robotic Rehabilitation Paradigm For Stroke Survivors With Upper Limb Paralysis

Committee: 

Dr. Priloutski, 0Advisor 

Dr. Vela, Chair

Dr. Shinohara

Abstract:

The objective of the proposed research is to develop and evaluate a tongue-operated exoskeleton that will harness the intention of stroke survivors with upper limb paralysis via tongue motion to control robotic exoskeleton during rehabilitation to achieve functional restoration and improve quality of life. Specifically, a tongue operated assistive technology is called the Tongue Drive System is used to control rehabilitation robot such as wrist based exoskeleton Hand Mentor ProTM and upper limb based exoskeleton KINARMTM as shown in Figure 1. In addition to standard clinical outcome measures such as active/passive range of motion, Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Wolf-Motor Function Test, Stroke Impact Scale, we have obtained measurable kinematic result from robots as well as electrical activities of brain and relevant muscles from EEG and EMG respectively.