But you didn't write up a protocol on which one is the best. COMPLETE FAILURE!
A Review of Rehabilitation Devices to Promote Upper Limb Function Following Stroke
Jacob Brackenridge
1
, Lynley V. Bradnam
2,3
, Sheila Lennon
2
, John J. Costi
1
and David A. Hobbs
1,
*
1
Medical Device Research Institute, School of Computer Science, Engineer-
ing and Mathematics, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Austra-
lia;
2
Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, Flinders Uni-
versity, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia;
3
Discipline of Physiotherapy,
Graduate School of Health, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Abstract:
Background:
Stroke is a major contributor to the reduced ability to carry
out activities of daily living (ADL) post cerebral infarct. There has been a major focus
on understanding and improving rehabilitation interventions in order to target cortical
neural plasticity to support recovery of upper limb function. Conventional therapies
delivered by therapists have been combined with the application of mechanical and robotic devices to provide controlled
and assisted movement of the paretic upper limb. The ability to provide greater levels of intensity and reproducible repetitive task practice through the application of intervention devices are key mechanisms to support rehabilitation efficacy.
Results:
This review of literature published in the last decade identified 141 robotic or mechanical devices. These devices
have been characterised and assessed by their individual characteristics to provide a review of current trends in rehabilitation device interventions. Correlation of factors identified to promote positive targeted neural plasticity has raised questions over the benefits of expensive robotic devices over simple mechanical ones.
Conclusion:
A mechanical device with appropriate functionality to support the promotion of neural plasticity after stroke
may provide an effective solution for both patient recovery and to stimulate further research into the use of medical de-
vices in stroke rehabilitation. These findings indicate that a focus on simple, cost effective and efficacious intervention solutions may improve rehabilitation outcomes.
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