Interactive upper limb training device for arm-reaching and finger pointing exercise

In order to restore muscle strength, stroke patients should adhere to regular and intensive rehabilitation exercises, especially visually-guided reaching and pointing movements. Most of patients are very passive when using traditional tools for these repetitive training. With the intention to support multiple training exercises actively, we proposed an upper limb rehabilitation device consisting of a tabletop device and a color map. This device can guide patients to do arm-reaching exercise and finger pointing exercise at the same time. The exercise data can be recorded and sent to computer via Bluetooth to track rehabilitation progress. Compared with the traditional training methods, the device enhances the fun of training through interactive forms such as visual feedbacks (LEDs) and voice instructions. Preliminary usability testing suggested that the device is attractive to patients, and easy to understand and play.