Article

The aims of this study were to review robot-assisted motor and
functional rehabilitation of the upper limb in patients with stroke and to
outline possible clinical applications of robotics in neuro-rehabilitation.
METHODS: Available active systems, with actuators driving the paretic arm, were
sub-classified by scientific rationale and mechatronic structure as exoskeletons
or operational-type machines (manipulators). Applicative studies were compared
for indication of efficacy.
Clinical and biomechanical evidence available to date suggests substantial efficacy of robot--assisted neuro-rehabilitation in the recovery of the paretic arm after stroke, enabling
longer dedicated training sessions with no additional work for the therapist.
Further investigation of large samples of patients is required to define the
relationship between disability and residual function, to provide shared criteria
of evaluation of disability/outcome and protocols of rehabilitation, and to
identify the expected future role and application of robotics in
neuro-rehabilitation.

Langue : ANGLAIS