Investigating the use of force feedback joysticks for low-cost, robot-mediated therapy

We are developing a low-cost robotic system, the Jerusalem Telerehabilitation System, using a force-feedback joystick and a standard broadband internet connection. In this study, the system was found to be user-friendly by therapists, older and younger normal subjects, and a post-stroke subject. Kinematic analysis of the joystick movements showed differences between the older and younger normal subjects and between the post-stroke subject and older normal subjects. Preliminary data indicate that our low-cost and straightforward system has the potential to provide useful kinematic information to the therapist in the clinic, thereby improving patient care.