Robot-aided neurorehabilitation of the upper extremities

We don't need researchers that just come up with 'can' research.We need ones that deliver protocols to get to 100% recovery.  Useless.

Robot-aided neurorehabilitation of the upper extremities

 R. Riener1,2 T. Nef1,2 G. Colombo2,3 1Rehabilitation Engineering Group, Automatic Control Laboratory, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zurich, Switzerland 2Spinal Cord Injury Center, University Hospital Balgrist, University Zurich, Switzerland 3Hocoma AG, Volketswil, Switzerland

Abstract—

Task-oriented repetitive movements can improve muscle strength and movement co-ordination in patients with impairments due to neurological lesions. The application of robotics and automation technology can serve to assist, enhance, evaluate and document the rehabilitation of movements. The paper provides an overview of existing devices that can support movement therapy of the upper extremities in subjects with neurological pathologies. The devices are critically compared with respect to technical function, clinical applicability, and, if they exist, clinical outcomes