Our Work

Our Projects - MyPAM

MyPAM - A home-based rehabilitation robot

Who

Prof. Martin LevesleyProfessor of Dynamics and Control

Dr Justin GallagherAssistant Professor

Level

Academic

Area

Robotics, Control, Clinical Trials

When

2007 -

MyPAM is a home-based rehabilitation robot, providing intensive and engaging upper limb therapy to improve functionality for stroke survivors.

It is a low-cost, home-based system that allows users to practice independent upper-limb exercises at home. The device restores the user's arm function by helping them rebuild strength. The motion of the device mimics that of traditional therapeutic exercises, guiding the user's arm in a smooth horizontal motion.

Learn more about MyPAM in our Video Series

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Video 1 - MyPAM: Introduction to the Device

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Video 2 - MyPAM: How It Works

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Video 3 - MyPAM: How patients and therapists interact

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Video 4 - MyPAM: Summary

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Video 5 - MyPAM: Delivery and Installation

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Video 6 - MyPAM: Student Engagement in MyPAM

How does the MyPAM device work?

The device allows patients to repeatedly practice motor tasks, whilst playing engaging and motivating exercises games from the library on the device's screen. As well as assisting the user's arm movement, the robotic joystick also tracks and evaluates the user's performance and monitors their progress. This information is shared with the supporting therapist, who can view the user's progress during their remote rehabilitation treatment through MyPAM's dedicated treatment dashboard, allowing the user to receive rehabilitation in the comfort of their own home.

It is hoped that this service will ease the demand on community services and remove the need for patients to frequently have clinical visits.

The device is currently in the Research and Development stage and moving towards clinical trial. There are many opportunities to be involved in its development, so if you are interested, please get in touch.

What makes up the MyPAM?

Here are the key features that make-up the MyPAM device

  • Games Library The exercises are delivered through a series of on-screen computer games, which are designed to increase engagement with physiotherapy. By mirroring the movement of the arm, with the actions being performed on the screen, the games provide visual feedback that can also help to improve cognitive skills.
  • Rotic Joystick A robotic joystick is used to connect with the gaming interface and guides the user's arm through therapeutic movements. The assistive level in the joystick arm can be adjusted and decreases as a user's performance improves during their treatment.
  • Adjustable Height The height of the screen and the robotic joystick can be adjusted to accommodate for each users.
  • Movement Tracker The robotic joystick monitors and evaluates a patient's upper arm performance during the device usage. The device tracks progress by measuring the force exerted by the user, the speed of their movement from point to point, and the accuracy of the path that movement has taken.
  • Therapist Support Portal Information gathered from the robotic joystick can be shared with the therapist who can remotely monitor progress of the rehabilitation program. Through the MyPAM consultation portal, which has an inbuilt web-camera and speaker integrated with the TV screen, users can have remote consultation with their therapist without having to attend a clinic.

What are the benefits of MyPAM?

There are many aspects in the MyPAM device that have been thoughtfully designed to give users the very best care.

  • Engaging exercises in the form of computer games The MyPAM device has inbuilt games designed to increase motivation for patients to practice therapeutic exercises regularly.
  • Power assisted device Patients can use MyPAM throughout their entire recovery journey with varying levels of assistance as they progress.
  • Designed for the home environment The device is designed to be compact and users can exercise as frequently and for as long as they want, giving them control of their rehabilitation journey.
  • Patient's recovery data is shared with their physio Therapists can assess and review patient’s progress, provide personalised exercises and made aware of potential concerns.
  • Wheelchair compatible The MyPAM device allows for wheelchair assess, suitable for those with reduced mobility.
  • Designed for correct posture and arm movement Patients adopt the correct posture and movements to ensure safe and effective therapy.