Preliminary development and technical evaluation of a belt-actuated robotic rehabilitation platform

BACKGROUND:
To provide effective rehabilitation in the early post-injury stage, a novel robotic rehabilitation platform is proposed, which provides full-body arm-leg rehabilitation via belt actuation to severely disabled patients who are restricted to bed rest.

OBJECTIVE:
To design and technically evaluate the preliminary development of the rehabilitation platform, with a focus on the generation of various leg movements.

METHODS:
Two computer models were developed by importing the components from SolidWorks into Simscape Multibody in MATLAB. This allowed simulation of various stepping movements in supine-lying and side-lying positions. Two belt-actuated test rigs were manufactured and automatic control programs were developed in TIA Portal. Finally, the functionality of the test rigs was technically evaluated.

RESULTS:
Computer simulation yielded target positions for the generation of various stepping movements in the experimental platforms. The control system enabled the two-drive test rig to provide three modes of stepping in a supine position. In addition, the four-drive test rig produced walking-like stepping in a side-lying position.

CONCLUSIONS:
This work confirmed the feasibility of the mechanical development and control system of the test rigs, which are deemed applicable for further development of the overall novel robotic rehabilitation platform.