A motion augmentation system configured to utilize a plurality of cables to augment the user's native strength to aid in the movement of an appendage of a user through a desired range of motion by applying forces between a first body part and an appendage of the user, such that a natural anatomy of the user is at least partially used as a structure to affect movement. The motion augmentation system including a plurality of cables operably coupling a body chassis to at least one sleeve assembly, each of the plurality of cables traversing through a corresponding one of a plurality of embedded lumens within the sleeve assembly and controlled by one or more corresponding cable actuators operably coupled to the body chassis, the corresponding cable actuators configured to selectively apply a force via the plurality of cables between the body chassis in the at least one sleeve assembly.

Provided is an instrument and a training method capable of promoting muscle stretching and increasing a range of motion of a joint. An instrument according to the present invention is an instrument for reducing muscle pain during muscle stretching and increasing a range of motion of a joint, including: a main body portion; and a pressing portion that is provided to protrude from the main body portion and presses to stimulate a Pacinian corpuscle present in a palm of a user, in which by grasping the main body portion with one hand, the pressing portion accurately contacts the Pacinian corpuscle, and an appropriate pressure can be applied to the Pacinian corpuscle.

A method for exercising a joint and a limb of a patient. The method includes supporting the limb at an angle with an actuation arm of an exercise device. The actuation arm is rotatable about a rotation axis and includes a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is movable in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis. The method further includes restricting movement of the second portion of the actuation arm and a foot plate at a distal end of the second portion in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis unless force exerted on the foot plate by the patient exceeds a predetermined force as measured by a foot plate load cell.

Methods and systems for assessing a stroke rehabilitation outcome of a subject include a home-based brain-controlled interface (BCI) apparatus and a computer processor in communication with the BCI apparatus. The BCI apparatus has i) a portable brain signal acquisition headset that acquires a brain signal from a subject; ii) an orthosis device having a body part interface configured to be coupled to a body part of the subject and a plurality of sensors that generate force data and movement data; and iii) a BCI component that receives the brain signal from the brain signal acquisition headset. The BCI component is capable of controlling the orthosis device. The computer processor performs instructions to process input data to output a rehabilitation outcome prediction for the subject, where the input data includes the brain signal, the force data, the movement data, and background information about the subject.

A fluid-driven actuator 100 includes a bending actuator 200 including a first wall portion 201, a second wall portion 203 cooperating with the first wall portion 201 to define an undulating actuator profile. The bending actuator 200 also includes an inner fluid bladder 202 disposed between the first and second wall portions 201,203 and following the undulating actuator profile. The fluid-driven actuator 100 further includes a restraint member 300 arranged to cooperate with the bending actuator 200 to produce a plurality of motions in response to fluid supplied to the inner fluid bladder 202.

A fluid-driven actuator 100 is disclosed herein. In a specific embodiment, the fluid-driven actuator 100 comprises a bending actuator 200 including a first wall portion 201, a second wall portion 203 cooperating with the first wall portion 201 to define an undulating actuator profile. The bending actuator 200 also includes an inner fluid bladder 202 disposed between the first and second wall portions 201,203 and following the undulating actuator profile. The fluid-driven actuator 100 further comprises a restraint member 300 arranged to cooperate with the bending actuator 200 to produce a plurality of motions in response to fluid supplied to the inner fluid bladder 202. Methods of producing the fluid-driven actuator are also disclosed.

Methods, devices, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for brain-controlled body movement assistance devices. In one aspect, a device includes a brain-controlled body movement assistance device with a brain-computer interface (BCI) component adapted to be mounted to a user, a body movement assistance component operably connected to the BCI component and adapted to be worn by the user, and a feedback mechanism provided in connection with at least one of the BCI component and the body movement assistance component, the feedback mechanism being configured to output information relating to a usage session of the brain-controlled body movement assistance device.

An actuated glove orthosis comprises a plurality of digits, each digit configured to be coupled to a finger, each digit defining at least one mechanical stop for preventing hyperextension. The orthosis may further comprise at least one actuator, and a plurality of cables, each cable coupled between a digit and the actuator. Activation of the actuator may increase tension on the plurality of cables to extend the plurality of digits. The device is entirely portable and leaves the hand free to grasp real objects, including as part of a standard therapy session.

A hand rehabilitation device, a rehabilitation training device, and a method for controlling the same are disclosed, and the hand rehabilitation device includes a hand rehabilitation component including: a glove; a hand pneumatic muscle group including at least one finger pneumatic muscle component, wherein a back of each finger sleeve in the glove is installed with at least one of the at least one finger pneumatic muscle component; and a stopper which is connected with each finger sleeve and a side of each of the at least one finger pneumatic muscle component facing a corresponding finger sleeve.

An improved dual glove exoskeleton system and method for rehabilitation of stroke victims is provided to increase recovery through optic, neural, and muscular stimulation. The proposed approach employs an algorithm that is configured to determine a degree of dysfunction, of certain extremities, and in particular, an upper extremity. During rehabilitation and recovery, the proposed system is designed to monitor a position of a healthy limb and allow a patient to attempt a mirrored position in a damaged limb. The system and method then completes the movement in an assisted-control manner. The system detects how each finger responds individually to the treatment and chooses an exercise program that is appropriate under the circumstances to further assist with rehabilitation.