Upper Limb Rehabilitation Using Wearable Energy Harvesting Devices

Abstract

Energy harvesting devices such as piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators convert mechanical motion into electricity and can thus be used as self-powered sensors for human motion monitoring. Mechanical systems based on these devices can be used in healthcare products for patient rehabilitation post injury. An important part of the rehabilitation process is to increase patient motivation to perform the mundane exercises prescribed as part of the therapy. Gaming is a well-known approach for increasing patient engagement and motivating them to perform the required exercises needed for recovery. The use of self-powered sensors in custom wearable devices designed for rehabilitation can provide an additional motivating factor for the patients due to their energy harvesting aspect. Here we present a triboelectric nanogenerator based wearable upper limb rehabilitation device called the Rehab-TENG. We conducted a pilot clinical study where subjects played games using the device. Depending on the game the Rehab-TENG could be used by the stroke patients for improving motor-control ability or for improving muscle strength post stroke. Real-time visual feedback was provided to the subjects to motivate them. We evaluated the motivatability of the device based on the game-play and energy harvesting aspects; and the practicability of the device as a home-based solution for patient rehabilitation in a pandemic situation. Our initial results show that patient recovery could benefit from the use of energy harvesting devices in game-based rehabilitation systems.