Device aims to accelerate stroke rehabilitation

The system, dubbed Synergistic Physio-Neuro Platform (SynPhNe), was developed by Dr John Heng, a senior research fellow at NTU’s School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and PhD student, Banerji Subhasis.

‘While current rehabilitation systems do benefit many patients, there are also other patients who still have difficulties performing everyday activities like holding a fork or drinking from a cup, despite the usual rehab sessions,’ said Dr Heng.

‘SynPhNe works by giving real-time feedback to the patients on what is happening in their mind and in their muscles. Patients using SynPhNe know where their problems lie and can slowly work towards overcoming each problem, instead of feeling frustrated and going through a painful, expensive and prolonged trial-and-error process when their improvements are not visible.’

SynPhNe consists of patented computer software connected to a specially designed headset with neural sensors and a sensor arm glove.

These sensors provide feedback on the stress, attention, and relaxation levels of the mind and which muscles are being activated or inhibited by the patient. The software contains instructional videos for limb movements which the patient can mimic to improve his or her performance of various tasks.