The Use of Robotic Technology in Stroke Rehabilitation – A Review

Abstract

Stroke is a significant cause of death and disability in the world. It creates problems for families and nationaleconomies alike due to its disruptive nature. Rehabilitation is a way to treat disabilities in stroke survivors, apopulation that is steadily growing into a larger percentage of the population. However, stroke rehabilitation is notstandardized as there is no clear evidence-based guideline that can be applied to every person, leading to differencesin care. Other problems with rehabilitation include limitations with a therapist’s ability to work continuously andconsistently over longer periods of time. Robotics can help with solving both types of problems through their abilityto record data and work without requiring rest. There has already been development of rehabilitation robots since the1990s and more advanced robot platforms have begun to emerge in the literature. This article reviews the literatureon stroke rehabilitation and how robotics can positively affect a patient’s outcome in stroke rehabilitation. It alsoreviews several rehabilitation robots classified as either exoskeletons or end-effectors.