Robot-assisted assessment of muscle strength

Abstract

Impairment of neuromuscular function in neurological disorders leads to reductions in muscle force, which may lower quality of life. Rehabilitation robots that are equipped with sensors are able to quantify the extent of muscle force impairment and to monitor a patient during the process of neurorehabilitation with sensitive and objective assessment methods. In this article, we provide an overview of fundamental aspects of muscle function and how the corresponding variables can be quantified by means of meaningful robotic assessments that are primarily oriented towards upper limb neurorehabilitation. We discuss new concepts for the assessment of muscle function, and present an overview of the currently available systems for upper limb measurements. These considerations culminate in practical recommendations and caveats for the rational quantification of force magnitude, force direction, moment of a force, impulse, critical force (neuromuscular fatigue threshold) and state and trait levels of fatigue.

A novel adaptable isometric strength analysis and exercise development system design

“…22,23,30 Strength measurements in the field of medicine may be required in cases such as the diagnosis of diseases and injuries related to the neuro-muscular system, determination of treatment methods, and control of rehabilitation processes. [31][32][33][34]39,51 During the treatment and (or) posttreatment rehabilitation [40][41][42] of injured athletes 28 or sedentary individuals with orthopedic [35][36][37][38] and neurological [31][32][33][34] disorders, due to the limitation of movement caused by the functional disorders in the joints, benefits to the skeletal muscular system can be provided by isometric exercises and measurements. 51 Similarly, it is possible to predict the risk of injury that may occur in athletes via isometric muscle strength measurements.…”

“…26 From this point of view, observing the strength and power changes of athletes may play an important role in the training of elite athletes, in the regulation of competition preparations and training programs, [21][22][23]26,27 stages of return to sport during 28 and after the injury period. 16,29 In addition to strength and power measurement studies in the field of sports, 22,23,30 patients with neurological/neuromuscular [31][32][33][34] and orthopedic disorders, [35][36][37][38] physical therapy and rehabilitation patients, [39][40][41][42] the elderly, 8,43,44 children, [45][46][47] and various special groups [48][49][50] may also need to be observed the changes in strength and power. Strength and power measurements are used in all these groups, for development purposes, control purposes, 35,36,51 diagnosing diseases, 17,30,52 or planning treatments or creating normative data 17,20,47 by receiving feedback, etc.…”

“…In addition to strength and power measurement studies in the field of sports, 22,23,30 patients with neurological/neuromuscular 31–34 and orthopedic disorders, 35–38 physical therapy and rehabilitation patients, 39–42 the elderly, 8,43,44 children, 45–47 and various special groups 48–50 may also need to be observed the changes in strength and power. Strength and power measurements are used in all these groups, for development purposes, control purposes, 35,36,51 diagnosing diseases, 17,30,52 or planning treatments or creating normative data 17,20,47 by receiving feedback, etc.…”

Robot-Aided Systems for Improving the Assessment of Upper Limb Spasticity: A Systematic Review

“…A vast majority of studies have assessed the efficacy of robot-assisted rehabilitation [ 84 , 85 , 86 ] and the conventional number of repetitions in the investigated articles is 3.2 min minimum between repetitions is required to favor the muscle recovery and a maximum of 45 min sessions recommended.…”

Stretchable, Self-Healing, and Skin-Mounted Active Sensor for Multipoint Muscle Function Assessment

“…It is well-known that muscle function is one of the most critical functional abilities of the human body. It declines with age and can be impaired under a variety of medical conditions. , Assessing muscle function in daily clinical practice would be helpful for clinicians of the elderly and frail. ,, Although a large number of approaches to assess muscle function have been proposed, such as Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), Field Testing, Hand-Held Dynamometry (HHD), and Hand-Grip Dynamometry (HGD), clinicians still need to select a more reliable, validated, and appropriate method for the patients, since these approaches have their intrinsic limitations. − …”