Robotic device to assess and rehabilitate the upper limb among brain damaged patients

Dehem, Stéphanie [UCL]

Despite intensive interdisciplinary rehabilitation, many patients with CNS acquired insult develop permanent neurological impairments. Rehabilitation robots are an innovative technology that is increasingly used in rehabilitation. Robotic assisted therapy (RAT) follows current guidelines for neurorehabilitation and it increases therapy intensity. RAT are often equipped with serious games which aim to adapt continuously the exercise characteristics according to the patient’s individual performances. The entertaining aspect is also essential in order to increase the enjoyment and the patient’s involvement in treatment. This work will present recent evidences about RAT and its effectiveness for upper limb rehabilitation among patients suffering from acquired CNS damage.