Soft wearable rehab devices will act like artificial muscles

The research programme, known as FREEHAB, will see a range of soft materials and modern manufacturing methods used to create different products. Some of these devices will be used to aid physiotherapists in their assessments of patients' movements, while others will be used by the patients themselves, helping them to stand up, for example. In those cases, the wearables will act like artificial muscles, powering mobility.

“There are over 10.8 million disabled people living in the UK today,” said project lead, Professor Jonathan Rossiter. “Nearly 6.5 million have mobility impairments. These numbers are growing as the median population age increases and age-related mobility issues due to conditions such as arthritis and stroke become more prevalent.”

According to Professor Rossiter, rehabilitation is increasingly taking place outside of clinical settings, generally in people’s homes. However, a lack of proper tools to assist people with rehab and simple movements is hindering progress for the millions who are affected. The new range of wearables will be made from materials including 3D-printable electroactive gel, and soft but strong pneumatic chains that change shape when inflated and can exert considerable force.