Robot-Assisted and Device-Based Rehabilitation of the Upper Extremity

Abstract

Neurorehabilitation of patients with upper limb motor dysfunction due to central nervous system damage still lacks adequate standardization. During the last decade, robot- and device-assisted rehabilitation has become more feasible for the treatment of functional disorders of the upper limb after stroke. Here we present an overview of technological aspects and differential use of devices for upper limb rehabilitation as well as a review of relevant clinical studies. We also discuss the potential for standardized evaluation in the context of limited health care resources. The effectiveness of device-assisted therapy, in comparison to conventional approaches, remains a matter of debate, largely due to the heterogeneous design of the available clinical studies. However, we believe that a better understanding of the timing, intensity, and quality of upper limb rehabilitation, as well as technological progress, will lead to the establishment of a central role for robot- and device-assisted rehabilitation in the next decade.