Stroke rehabilitation: an argument in favor of a robotic gym

In 1991, a novel robot named MIT-MANUS was introduced as a test bed to study the potential of using robots to assist in and quantify the neuro-rehabilitation of motor function. It introduced a new type of therapy, offering a highly backdrivable mechanism with a soft and stable feel for the user. MIT-MANUS proved an excellent fit for the rehabilitation of shoulder and elbow of stroke patients with results in clinical trials showing a reduction of impairment in these joints. Notably, we found a greater reduction in motor impairment in the exercised muscle groups. This suggests a need for additional robots to rehabilitate other targeted joints and different muscle groups. The intent of this paper is to present data that supports the use of multiple robots to deliver focused therapy to different limb segments and joints.