Multivariate nonlinear regression analysis of trajectory tracking performance using force reflecting joystick in chronic stroke-induced hemiparesis

Individualizing a neurorehabilitation training protocol requires understanding the performance of subjects with various capabilities under different task settings. We use multivariate regression to evaluate the performance of subjects with stroke-induced hemiparesis in trajectory tracking tasks using a force-reflecting joystick. A nonlinear effect was consistently shown in both dimensions of force field strength and impairment level for selected kinematic performance measures, with greatest sensitivity at lower force fields. This suggests that the form of a force field may play a different “role” for subjects with various impairment levels, and confirms that to achieve optimized therapeutic benefit, it is necessary to personalize interfaces.