Robotic Rehabilitation in Stroke

Abstract

Stroke is a leading cause of acquired disability worldwide, with significant motor, sensory, cognitive, and psychological deficits. Motor impairments significantly impair the mobility and participation in daily activities, reducing the quality of life and increasing the socioeconomic burden. Traditional rehabilitation methods put physical strain on therapists and have limitations in efficacy, especially for patients with severe impairments. The integration of robotics into rehabilitation has emerged as a promising solution. While early robotic devices were made for performing repetitive tasks, modern robotic systems use feedback-based training to enhance neuroplasticity. Robotic rehabilitation addresses the need for intensive, repetitive training crucial for motor recovery and neuroplasticity. Rehabilitation robots are categorized by body part (upper and lower limb), function (therapeutic and assistive), and design (exoskeletons, end-effector systems, and wearable robotics). Robotic therapy is beneficial for both acute and chronic stroke patients, offering faster progress in functional gains. Future trends in robotic rehabilitation include integrating technologies such as virtual reality, brain–computer interface, and artificial intelligence to enhance adaptability and effectiveness. These advancements hold the potential to further revolutionize stroke rehabilitation, providing more personalized and efficient recovery pathways.