Robot-Assisted Upper Limb Neuro-Rehabilitation

Principal Investigators:Charles G. Burgar, MD and Peter S. Lum, PhD

Co-investigator: H.F. Machiel Van der Loos, PhD

Project Therapists: Peggy Shor, OTR and Matra Majmundar, OTR

Summary: Stroke is the most common inpatient rehabilitation diagnosis and its prevalence in DVA patients is increasing. Recovery of upper limb function is often minimal, negatively impacting patient independence, discharge to the community, and length of stay. More effective rehabilitation methods are needed. Using a robotic device (MIME), we have demonstrated that patient-guided manipulation therapy of the paretic limb is feasible and effective for improving motor function in chronic hemiparesis. We have also shown that measurements of the interaction forces between the robot and the paretic limb are useful for quantifying the state of motor recovery.

Funding Sources: VA RR&D Pilot Study and VA RR&D Merit Review