Automated Hand Exercise Machine with Monitoring System for Paralysis Patients.
Background
Paralysis is a severe medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide, restricting their ability to
move and perform daily activities. According to a study conducted in 2013, approximately 5.4 million people live
with paralysis, with a significant proportion being younger than 65 years old. Among the leading causes of
paralysis, strokes account for 33.7% of cases, followed by spinal cord injuries at 27.3% and multiple sclerosis at
18.6%.
Over the years, technological advancements have provided several rehabilitation solutions for individuals
suffering from paralysis. For instance, Vijay Kumar et al. developed a patient monitoring system that allows
disabled individuals to display messages on an LCD screen through simple hand movements. Similarly, Ahmed Roshdy
et al. introduced a wearable exoskeleton rehabilitation device to assist paralysis patients. Inspired by such
advancements, we have developed an Automated Hand Exercise Machine with a Monitoring System to aid in the
rehabilitation of individuals with hand paralysis. Our device is cost-effective and ensures a structured hand
exercise regimen, essential for regaining mobility and improving overall muscle function.
Hardware Design
The core functionality of our device revolves around a 400-RPM gear motor, which assists in lifting the patient’s
hand from a resting position. The mechanism is engineered to ensure safe and controlled movement, preventing
excessive force that could cause discomfort or injury. The motor mechanism consists of a 400-RPM gear motor that
gently pulls up the hand, a custom-designed shaft optimized for movement, and a rolling mechanism with a 1-inch
leather rope, where one end is attached to the motor shaft and the other to a wristband.
To ensure safety and stability, the entire motor assembly is enclosed within a protective white box to prevent
malfunctions and ensure patient safety. A motor mount is specifically designed to secure the motor inside the box,
while a leather outfit is developed to stabilize the system, providing extra grip and comfort to the patient. The
wrist support and sensors further enhance the system’s functionality. A wrist mechanism is included to provide
proper hand support, while a heart rate sensor is attached to the index finger to continuously monitor heart rate
during exercise. All electrical wiring is routed to a central setup box housing the microcontroller and other
essential components.
Circuit Design
Our system is powered by an Arduino UNO, which serves as the main controller. It processes sensor data and
controls the motor based on predefined threshold angles. The circuit consists of an Arduino UNO that processes
commands and controls the entire system, a motor driver that regulates motor movement based on input signals, a
Bluetooth module that enables wireless communication with the system, and a heart rate sensor that continuously
monitors the patient's heart rate. The power supply provides the necessary voltage and current to the system
components. The following diagram illustrates the circuit connections and how each component interacts to ensure
smooth operation.
Working Principle
The system operates based on the angular position of the forearm and biceps. The software continuously monitors
this angle and decides when to activate or deactivate the motor. If the angle between the forearm and biceps is
less than 160°, the system detects that the hand is in a resting position, and the software sends a command to the
microcontroller to activate the motor. The motor then pulls up the hand until the forearm-biceps angle reaches 32°
(considered the top position). At this point, the software sends a command to stop the motor, and the subject
deliberately lowers their hand back to the resting position.
Real-time monitoring plays a crucial role in this process. The heart rate sensor continuously records heart rate
and blood pressure, displaying the values on a screen. The software counts the number of repetitions and logs the
data for tracking progress. Users can configure the threshold angles through a control panel for personalized
exercise settings. This automated approach ensures that patients perform the required hand exercises consistently
and accurately.
Benefits and Future Scope
This device is cost-effective, ensuring affordability compared to traditional therapy sessions and high-end
exoskeleton systems. The system is designed for ease of use, making it accessible even to patients with minimal
technical knowledge. Customizable exercise parameters allow the threshold angles to be configured to suit
individual patient needs, providing personalized therapy. The integration of heart rate and blood pressure
monitoring ensures safe exercise sessions by alerting users to abnormal readings.
While our current system effectively assists in hand movement rehabilitation, we aim to introduce further
enhancements. We plan to develop a similar mechanism for individual finger exercises, allowing more comprehensive
hand therapy. To reduce costs and improve availability, we will redesign parts using 3D printing technology.
Simplifying the outfit design is another priority so that patients can easily wear and adjust the system without
assistance.
Conclusion
The Automated Hand Exercise Machine with a Monitoring System is a significant step forward in paralysis
rehabilitation. It provides a structured, automated, and affordable solution for hand exercises, ensuring
consistent therapy sessions without the need for constant supervision. By integrating mechanical automation,
real-time health monitoring, and customizable exercise settings, our system empowers patients to regain control
over their hand movements, enhancing their independence and quality of life.
