Intelligent prompting system to assist stroke survivors

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Jean-Baptiste, Emilie M.D.^{a; *} | Russell, Martin^a | Howe, Joe^b | Rotshtein, Pia^b

Affiliations: [a] School of Electrical, Electronic and System Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK. E-mail: emilie.jean.baptiste@utoronto.ca | [b] School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author. E-mail: emilie.jean.baptiste@utoronto.ca.

Abstract: Stroke survivors often have difficulties performing Activities of Daily Living (ADL). When trying to complete a task, they tend to rely on caregivers who give them cues when necessary. However, this reliance on caregivers’ support may affect their ability to live independently. In our study, we have developed CogWatch – an assistive system designed to provide guidance to stroke survivors during tea-making. An evaluation of the system was carried out on twelve patients. The latter were asked to complete different ADLs with and without CogWatch’s assistance. Results showed that patients succeed at the tasks more often when assisted by the system than without guidance. It is anticipated that this system could be installed in the home environment and provide early stage rehabilitation.

Keywords: Stroke survivors, activities of daily living, action planning, MDP, assistive technology

DOI: 10.3233/AIS-170461

Journal: Journal of Ambient Intelligence and Smart Environments, vol. 9, no. 6, pp. 707-723, 2017