ALLADIN: A Novel Mechatronic Platform Assessing Post-Stroke Functional Recovery

Abstract

In this paper the innovative ALLADIN platform for whole-body isometric force measurements to be used in neuro-rehabilitation for assessing post-stroke functional recovery is presented. A mechatronic approach was used in the design and development of this platform, which consists of an ergonomic mechanical structure embedding eight force/torque sensors that sample data about the performance of simulated activities of daily living in stroke patients. The overall ALLADIN system also includes a dedicated database, where all measures and other clinical scores are stored, and a PDA-based natural language system interface for the therapist. This paper only focuses on the mechatronic platform of the ALLADIN system. The proposed platform, which is currently being validated in three different clinical centers in Europe, aims at offering a brand new method for decision support in neuro-rehabilitation. It calculates and predicts the functional recovery of stroke patients and makes clinical assessments and quantitative measurements easily exchangeable among clinical stroke rehabilitation units