Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
techniques have failed to detect any difference in the general outcomes and in
upper-limb function (Feys
et al.
(1998)).
In recent years, various novel therapeutic interventions, based on the current
theories of motor control, have been developed. Some of these novel techniques
include — task oriented therapy (Page (2003)), constraint induced movement ther-
apy (CIMT) (Taub
et al.
(2002)), virtual rehabilitation (Huang
et al.
(2006)), func-
tional electrical therapy (Popovic
et al.
(2002)), and robot-assisted rehabilitation.
However, not all these techniques can be used effectively on all stroke survivors.
For example, the first three techniques require some level of residual motor ability
for subjects to actively train under these techniques, which makes them unsuitable
for patients with lowmotor ability. The latter two therapy techniques, however, are
suitable even for subjects with very low motor functionality because they provide
movement assistance while performing therapy tasks. Over the last couple of
decades there has been a significant growth of interest among the rehabilitation
community in robot-assisted rehabilitation.
2.2 WHAT IS ROBOT-ASSISTED REHABILITATION?
Robot-assisted rehabilitation is a novel approach towards stroke rehabilitation
where robotic devices are used to administer task-oriented motor training to
subjects with movement disorders. Although the idea of using robots as assistive
devices has existed for quite some time, the use of these device for therapeutic
purposes is relatively new. The main purpose of these devices is to provide
mechanical assistance/support while subjects perform various tasks during ther-
apy. Additionally, these devices also quantify movement related variables that are
useful for both diagnosis and clinical assessment.
2.2.1 Why is it Used?
Over the last 10-15 years there has been an increased amount of interest in the use
of robotic devices for motor rehabilitation of stroke survivors. The strong interest
is driven by multiple inter-related factors,
•
Increasing stroke population that is in need of therapy
- Rehabilitation therapy
is the main form of treatment available to stroke survivors. With a
constantly increasing stroke population, there is an ever increasing need
for more resources for the rehabilitation of these patients. Because of
the limited availability of resources, the average length of stay of stroke
survivors as an inpatient has been on the decline over the past decade in
the US; currently, this average length of stay is about 20 to 23 days (Fasoli
et al.
(2004)). Because of this there is more focus on teaching these subjects
compensatorymovements for the benefit of a quicker path to reducemotor
