MOVEMENT-MIRRORING ARM EXOSKELETON IN REHABILITATION

Aim. The aim of this article is to develop the prototype of arm exoskeleton for the treatment of upper limb movement activity after intracerebral hemorrhage or heart attack. Materials and methods. "Movement-mirroring" function was introduced with the help of the manipulating device consisting of the device for wireless data transfer, Arduino controller, exoskeleton servomotors, 3 accelerometers GY-85 and software, which detects angles. Results. We developed the prototype of the rehabilitation device, which was tested by 6 volunteers. Arduino controller allowed us to reduce the time needed for servomotor response up to 400 msec. Conclusion. If only one arm is affected as a result of hemiparesis or hemiplegia, then the rehabilitation therapy can be conducted in accordance with the program stated or by copying the movements of a healthy limb by means of 'movement-mirroring' function.