Neuromuscular System Improvement and Movement Assistance of Polio Survivor with Paralysis Using Biofeedback and Robot Suit HAL(Mechanical Systems)

Abstract

Polio survivors with severe limb paralysis cannot move their limbs voluntarily because they have a significantly reduced number of motor neurons due to the poliovirus infection. There is a danger that their ability to control their neuromuscular system, in particular fundamental abilities such as balancing flexors and extensors in the neuromuscular system may decrease dramatically in the long-term. If such polio survivors could improve their ability to balance, it would be possible for them to use the "Robot Suit HAL" wearable movement support device. HAL anticipates its wearer's intended movements through the measurement of bioelectrical signals, and generates assistive torques to support their movements. This study proposes a biofeedback training method using visual information, with the objective of restoring motor functions using HAL. A biofeedback system that feeds-back bioelectrical signals visually was developed, and tested with a polio survivor. The polio survivor was able to adjust the balance of their muscular control through the proposed training method, and voluntary motion was recorded to a paralyzed knee using a single-joint type HAL. These results suggest that polio survivors who have been paralyzed for a long time may improve their ability to control their neuromuscular system by using the proposed training method.