Assessment of rehabilitation degree in case of stroke by using image analysis of range of motion

This paper presents an overview of our project for measuring the ROM (range of motion) for upper limb in case of post stroke rehabilitation, that uses a simple and accessible method for any rehabilitation laboratory. The system is comprised of a wheelchair with an artificial upper limb that has a laser light source that is projected on a plexiglass special design table. The table has a modular position thanks to the artificial limb. A small orthotic device with the light source is attached to the extremities of the upper limb. The laser light may be projected on the table, in horizontal or vertical plane, and the position of the light spot may be continuously recorded on a computer. The table helps as a reference system for the ROM assessment and also for computing some special measures (e.g., the value of the maximum movement amplitude). The design of the table is also useful for different exercises necessary for shoulder and upper limb rehabilitation. Using the digital recording and a dedicated image analysis software of the light spot it is possible to compute the capability of movement but also to assess the rehabilitation degree by comparing in time the positive evolution of the rehabilitation program. The device is distinguished by its low price of production, the simplicity but also the precision of the method and the capacity to include a computer rehab user interface.