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.