Robotic stretcher for spinal muscular atrophy patient: Preliminary tests of user controllability

Abstract

Diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) often cause motor disabilities through the progressive loss of muscle power. However, some patients must lie horizontally and thus cannot operate a wheelchair. The aim of this study was to develop a robotic stretcher for an SMA patient with severe motor disabilities to enable her to maneuver independently inside a building. The concept underlying the stretcher is that the user should be able to drive the stretcher using an applicable operating device while watching a display feed from cameras mounted on the stretcher. We have developed new devices with an operating algorithm, mechanical frame and control system suitable to the user's limited abilities (motion in only one finger), and verified their functions through tests of a prototype machine operated by the target user.