Development of internet of things-based exoskeleton for monitoring elbow rehabilitation therapy

Abstract

The elbow joint is a complex articulation comprising the humeroulnar and humeroradial joints, facilitating flexion-extension movements essential for daily activities. Leveraging advancements in connected systems and paradigms such as the internet of things (IoT), this study proposes an affordable, effective, and IoT-enabled one-degree-of-freedom (1DOF) elbow exoskeleton for home-based rehabilitation. The exoskeleton is designed to provide a natural range of elbow movements (flexion and extension) while enabling real-time monitoring of rehabilitation progress through mobile applications and web servers. The system collects qualitative data on elbow movements, which are critical in rehabilitation therapy, and enables patients to save their rehabilitation status for future reference. This data can be accessed by doctors remotely, ensuring continuity of care. For patients unable to lift their arm independently, a servomotor provides mechanical assistance, enabling them to achieve desired angles for rehabilitation. The IoT platform generates real-time graphs, offering detailed insights into the recovery process through data analysis. This project is a significant advancement in clinical and healthcare settings, as it reduces dependency on human support or physiotherapists. By integrating IoT technology, the proposed exoskeleton ensures effective, autonomous, and data-driven rehabilitation for elbow joint recovery.