Mirror-Based Robotic Therapy for Ankle Recovery with a Serious Game: A Case Study with a Neurological Patient

Abstract

Neuromuscular disorders, such as foot drop, severely affect the locomotor function and walking independence after a brain injury event. Mirror-based robotic therapy (MRT) has been a promising rehabilitation strategy favouring upper limb muscle strength and motor control in the last years. However, there are still no studies validating this technique in lower limb experimental protocols. This paper presents an innovative visual and motor feedback strategy based on serious games and MRT modalities. Thus, a preliminary system validation with a healthy participant is performed. Moreover, the strategy's potential effects were investigated in a neurologic patient's short rehabilitation program. After six sessions, the results of the method favoured active ankle plantarflexion range of motion and muscle activation. Although the patient had a positive adaptation at the end of the game, it is necessary to improve the proposed strategy to enhance the robotic experience in the long term.