REVIEW Robotic Devices and Brain Machine Interfaces for Hand Rehabilitation Post-stroke: Current State and Future Potentials

In case your doctor doesn't keep up-to-date with research, you can train your doctor. 21 pages.
http://www.research.ed.ac.uk/portal/files/24993853/ACMreview.pdf

Alistair C F McConnell 1* , Adam A Stokes 2 , Renan C Moioli 3 , Fabricio L Brasil 3 , Marta Vallejo 1 , David W Corne1 and Patricia A Vargas 1
Abstract This paper reviews the current state of the art in robotic-aided hand physiotherapy for post-stroke rehabilitation, including the use of brain machine interfaces (BMI). The main focus is on the technical specifications required for these devices to achieve their goals. From the literature reviewed, it is clear that these rehabilitation devices can increase the functionality of the human hand post-stroke. However, there are still several challenges to be overcome before they can be fully deployed. Further clinical trials are needed to ensure that substantial improvement can be made in limb functionality for stroke survivors, particularly as part of a programme of frequent at-home high-intensity training over an extended period. This review serves the purpose of providing valuable insights into robotics rehabilitation techniques in particular for those that could explore the synergy between BMI and the novel area of soft robotics.