Stroke rehabilitation: ROBERT® trial concludes at University of Strathclyde

The fourth trial in the UK for the ROBERT®, a robotic rehabilitation device for early upper and lower limb mobilisation, has concluded at the University of Strathclyde.

“I felt it was working the right part of my arm. It was easy to use. I am able to move my arm more than before. I liked it – I wanted to bring it home!”

“It was good to move my arm, and definitely a positive experience. It is good to get feedback, join the movement and recruit the muscles.”

“I can put my arm up more – brilliant.”

“It could help put a hand in a position I found difficult.”

Andy Kerr, Centre Director and Physiotherapist at the University of Strathclyde, said:

“As a research group at the University of Strathclyde, our research focuses on using technology to increase the intensity and personalisation of rehabilitation. We were therefore delighted to have the opportunity to trial the ROBERT rehabilitation robot as part of our Technology Enriched Rehabilitation programme for people living with stroke. The system was well received by both participants and therapists, with many describing the experience positively and reporting improvements in upper-limb movement and function. We also found ROBERT straightforward to set up and integrate into our rehabilitation sessions.

From a research perspective, ROBERT’s collaborative robotic (cobot) design is particularly interesting because it supports active participation by providing assistance only when required, allowing rehabilitation to be tailored to an individual’s abilities and adhering with the principles of motor (re)learning. Our experience suggests that the system is feasible to incorporate into technology-enhanced rehabilitation programmes, and we would welcome future opportunities to evaluate ROBERT in both research and clinical settings.”

About the trial

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The ROBERT® was used by people living with a disability – including movement, communication and cognition – caused by stroke in an eight week intensive rehabilitation programme.

ROBERT® was used among other technologies in a group circuit programme. This unique programme takes place within The Sir Jules Thorn Centre for Co-Creation of Rehabilitation Technology.

About the ROBERT®

ROBERT® is developed by Life Science Robotics and represented in the UK by Summit Medical and Scientific. ROBERT® is a high intensity robotic rehabilitation device, used for patients with severe to mild impairments of upper and lower limbs.

ROBERT® provides intensive rehabilitation for acute patients as early as possible, and can be used for upper or lower limb therapy either in-bed or seated with just one device.

Even severely impaired patients can be mobilised using ROBERT®, supporting a patient’s rehabilitation as soon as possible after their admission to hospital. Getting patients moving early and intensively is an important step towards optimal recovery and facilitating neuroplasticity.

Therapists first define the desired movement using ROBERT®, including Activities of Daily Living and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation with seven degrees of freedom.

The ROBERT® then repeats the intensive therapy, offering tailored levels of resistance and support based on the patient’s ability.

Click here to read more about ROBERT®.

About Summit Medical and Scientific

Summit Medical and Scientific are passionate about the power of technology.

We represent clinical technology leaders ddrobotec^®, Hocoma, Life Science Robotics, Motek and Reha Stim to provide the total solution for rehabilitation in the UK. Our partners have developed innovative therapy devices using robotics, sensors and virtual reality for early and acute rehabilitation, gait and balance therapy, arm and hand therapy, body weight support and more. Click here for all our clinical solutions.

On the biomechanics side, we represent AccuPower Solutions, AMTI, CONTEMPLAS, Cometa, ddrobotec^®, Motek, Sprintex, Tekscan, and Treadmetrix to offer the latest equipment for the the assessment and measurement of balance, gait, movement, athletic performance, strength and conditioning, podiatry, orthopaedics and more. Click here for all our biomechanics solutions.

Get in touch with Summit Medical and Scientific today to find out more about incorporating state-of-the-art technology for rehabilitation and performance into your facility.

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