A mobile sonification system for stroke rehabilitation

Abstract

Growing evidence suggests that sonification supports movement perception as well as motor functions. It is hypothesized that real-time sonification supports movement control in patients with sensorimotor dysfunctions efficiently by intermodal substitution of sensory loss. The present article describes a sonification system for the upper extremities that might be used in neuromotor rehabilitation after stroke. A keyfeature of the system is mobility: Arm movements are captured by intertial sensors that transmit their data wirelessly to a portable computer. Hand position is computed in an egocentric reference frame and mapped onto four acoustic parameters. A pilot feasibility study with acute stroke patients resulted in significant effects and is encouraging with respect to ambulatory use.