• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.37-42
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• 2015

In this paper, we propose a wrist rehabilitation training device using pneumatic inflation and deflation of air cells. By alternating inflation and deflation of upper and lower air cells, the device makes the flexional and extensional movement for wrist rehabilitation. With the angular displacement sensor, it measures the flexion-extension angle of the wrist during the training and the bending angle is used for the automatic control of the device. Using the sensor output, the regression equation was obtained to measure the bending angle of the wrist from a wrist rehabilitation training device. The measurement error of the device was evaluated by comparing the measurement output with the angle from the photograph. The measurement error of wrist bending angle between the sensor and photo was $3.2^{\circ}$ in average. With additional test and improvement, the pneumatic wrist rehabilitation training device might be used for rehabilitation training.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.374-378
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• 2021

Objective: Bilateral movement training is an effective method for upper extremity rehabilitation of stroke. An approach to induce bilateral movement through functional electrical stimulation is attempted. The purpose of this study is to develop an EMG-triggered functional electrical stimulation device for upper extremity bilateral movement training in stroke patients and test its feasibility. Design: Feasibility and Pilot study design. Methods: We assessed muscle activation and kinematic data of the affected and unaffected upper extremities of a stroke patient during wrist flexion and extension with and without the device. Wireless EMG was used to evaluate muscle activity, and 12 3D infrared cameras were used to evaluate kinematic data. Results: We developed an EMG-triggered functional electrical stimulation device to enable bilateral arm training in stroke patients. A system for controlling functional electrical stimulation with signals received through a 2-channel EMG sensor was developed. The device consists of an EMG sensing unit, a functional electrical stimulation unit, and a control unit. There was asymmetry of movement between the two sides during wrist flexion and extension. With the device, the asymmetry was lowest at 60% of the threshold of the unaffected side. Conclusions: In this study, we developed an EMG-triggered FES device, and the pilot study result showed that the device reduces asymmetry.

• Journal of Institute of Control, Robotics and Systems
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.315-322
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• 2009

This paper explains a control and navigation algorithm of a 6-DOF gait rehabilitation robot, which can allow a patient to navigate in virtual reality (VR) by upper and lower limbs interactions. In gait rehabilitation robots, one of the important concerns is not only to follow the robot motions passively, but also to allow the patient to walk by his/her intention. Thus, this robot allows automatic walking velocity update by estimating interaction torques between the human and the upper limb device, and synchronizing the upper limb device to the lower limb device. In addition, the upper limb device acts as a user-friendly input device for navigating in virtual reality. By pushing the switches located at the right and left handles of the upper limb device, a patient is able to do turning motions during navigation in virtual reality. Through experimental results of a healthy subject, we showed that rehabilitation training can be more effectively combined to virtual environments with upper and lower limb connections. The suggested navigation scheme for gait rehabilitation robot will allow various and effective rehabilitation training modes.

• 제어로봇시스템학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2001.10a
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• pp.89.3-89
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• 2001

Recently computer graphic technology has achieved remarkable development. Applications of this technology to various fields are expected. In this study, one application of computer graphics to the medical field is shown. We developed a rehabilitation system of hand manipulation using virtual reality aiming to offer enjoyable rehabilitation training to physically handicapped people with upper limb disabilities. This rehabilitation system generates training environments for upper limbs, such as moving balls in virtual space of computer. And by using data glove as a sophisticated input device, a user can manipulate objects in virtual space by his hand. By using this rehabilitation system, a user can have rehabilitation training under various conditions without feeling tedious.

• Journal of rehabilitation welfare engineering & assistive technology
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.295-303
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• 2016

Rehabilitation of upper limb motor function of hemiplegic patient must maintain interest and demand a device for a quantitative evaluation of rehabilitation training. In this paper, we developed the device that is composed of arm cradle, handle, and balance ball for rehabilitation exercise. We have performed experiment for validity as to whether to use the rehabilitation device when tilting the upper extremity training device developed to measure changes in the EMG signal to the main upper limb muscles for 7 healthy volunteers. We have analyzed muscle activation signals on agonist and antagonist as a reference in the muscle contraction and relaxation in the upper limb extension and flexion when the balance-handle device is tilted to front-rear and left-right. The experimental results showed that a tendency of muscle activation of biceps, triceps, and deltoid used in upper limb motor function of hemiplegic patients from extension and flexion evaluation items of Fugl-Meyer Assessment(FMA). These results may be helpful for rehabilitation training for upper limb motor function of hemiplegic patients by utilizing a developed unit.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.251-258
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• 2023

Objective: The practice of breathing exercises involves altering the depth and frequency of respiration. Strengthening respiratory muscles plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. The efficiency of the respiratory system affects not only physical activity but also various physiological processes including cardiovascular health, lung function, and cognitive abilities. The study evaluated the reliability of the developed device for inspiratory/expiratory training using pressure sensors and Bluetooth connectivity with a smartphone application. Design: Design & development research Methods: The research methodology involved connecting a custom-made respiratory sensor to an IMT-PEP BIC Breath device. Various pressure conditions were measured, and statistical analyses were performed to assess reliability and consistency. Results showed high Intraclass Coefficient Correlation (ICC) values for both inspiratory and expiratory pressures, indicating strong test-retest reliability. The device was designed for ease of use and wireless monitoring through a smartphone app. Results: This study conducted at expiratory pressure confirmed the proper operation of the IMT/PEP breathing trainer at the specified pressure setting in the product. The pressure sensor demonstrated high test-retest reliability with an ICC value of 0.999 for both expiratory and inspiratory pressure measurements. Conclusions: The developed respiratory training device measured and monitored inspiratory and expiratory pressures, demonstrating its reliability for respiratory training. The system could be utilized to record training frequency and intensity, providing potential benefits for patients requiring respiratory interventions. Further research is needed to assess the full potential of the device in diverse populations and applications.

• 제어로봇시스템학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2005.06a
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• pp.2440-2443
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• 2005

We propose a new early rehabilitation training system for postural control using a tilting bed and a force plate. The conventional rehabilitation systems for postural control cannot be applied to the patients lying in bed because the rehabilitation training using those systems is possible only when the patient can stand up by himself or herself. Moreover, there has not existed any device that could provide the sense of balance or the sensation of walking to the patients in bed. By using a tilting bed, a visual display, and a force plate, we have developed a new rehabilitation training system for balance control of the patients in bed providing sense of balance and the sensation of walking to the patient. Through the experiments with real people, we verified the effectiveness of the new early rehabilitation training system. The results showed that this system is an effective system for the early rehabilitation training and that our system might be useful as clinical equipment.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.313-318
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• 1996

We proposed a new system for the postural balance rehabilitation training. For the purpose, we used the virtual hiking system using virtual reality technology. We evaluated the system by measuring the parameters such as path deviation, path deviation velocity, cycling time, and head movement. From our results, we verified the usefulness of virtual reality technology in rehabilitation. Our results showed that this system was effective postural balance rehabilitation training device and might be useful as the clinical equipment.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.99-109
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• 2013

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the current state of training in assistive technology(AT) for pediatric physical therapists(PPTs) and pediatric occupational therapists(POTs), in addition, investigate therapists' preferred training methods and contents. The eventual purpose was to suggest the essential fundamental factors to adapt the assistive technology in clinics. METHODS: The subject of this study were 167 therapists(98 PPTs and 69 POTs) who work at general hospitals, welfare center, facilities for the disabled, and special education school in Seoul and Gyeonggi province. Frequency analysis and Chi-squared test were used. RESULTS: Significant numbers of PPTs(66 therapists, 67.3%) and POTs(50 therapists, 72.5%) answered that they had received training in AT. More than 48% answered no training experience or low adequacy in each classification scheme for questions. The most difficulty in the training was indicated by lack of education opportunity(90 therapists, 53.9%). The most required device training was seating and position device training(43 therapists, 21.9%) for PPTs and orthosis and prosthesis device training(29 therapists, 21.0%) for POTs. In assistive technology service, PPTs needed evaluation to AT device training(69 therapists, 35.2%) and POTs needed evaluation to disabilities for AT training(41 therapists, 29.7%). Both therapists answered that the most effective training is continuous education(52 therapists, 31.1%) and college education(48 therapists, 28.7%). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that PPTs and POTs need more opportunities for training in AT. For effective clinical app lication of AT, there should be continuous education such as on-the-job training, mentoring program, technical manual, and college education.

• Journal of Institute of Control, Robotics and Systems
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• v.20 no.9
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• pp.971-976
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• 2014

Haptic device can be a useful rehabilitation tool in balance training. The proposed system is composed of a body-wear smartphone, Phantom Omni(R) device, and its control PC system. Ten young healthy subjects performed balance tasks with different postures during 30 seconds with their eyes closed. An Android program on the smartphone transferred mediolateral (ML) and anteroposterior (AP) tilt angles to the PC system, which can generate haptic command through haptic device. Statistical data analysis was performed using MATLAB(R). COP (Center of Pressure) related indexes were measured to see reduction in body sway. ANOVA showed that haptic device significantly reduced body sway. Intuitive balance guidance could be generated using an economical and small-sized commercial haptic device, making the system efficient.