Jonathan Edwards | Janelle Capinpuyan | Paula-Jelyn Anastacio
This medicine related study applies in robotic rehabilitation. An active assistive device helps first time ischemic stroke patients with a weak arm. This study basically aimed to help arm flexion and extension movement of the patient. The researchers used Agile Software Development to process this study. The data came from physical therapists, a physiatrist, and ischemic stroke patients of Los Baños Doctors Hospital in Los Baños, Laguna. The researchers gathered the needed data through interviews, and survey. This study’s robotic arm prototype consisted of an Arduino and Raspberrry Pi (Rasp Pi) which were used for the application of the algorithm. In addition, it had a muscle sensor which detected if the patient’s muscles contracted or relaxed. It is called a Surface Electromyography Sensor whiose values are being analyzed by the algorithm of the researchers. Summarizing the findings, AXon was found to be lightweight and comfortable with less number of wires in doing flexion and extension, and was responsive. Further improvements in the design and communication between Arduino and Rasp Pi are needed for AXon to be more functional. AXon functioned well now as it satisfied the patients and the physical therapists, but it was still recommended to improve its design and materials in the future innovation of AXon.