Disturbances of Higher Level Neural Control -- Robotic Applications in Stroke

We review results of initial clinical trials with 76 stroke patients at the Burke Rehabilitation Hospital. They provide evidence that robot-aided training enhances recovery. We also discuss technology under development, including algorithms for evaluating patients’ performance. To conclude, we summarize different modalities of robot-aided therapy. In our initial clinical trials we used a single modality of robot therapy, but since each lesion is unique there is no reason to believe that a “one-size-fits-all” optimal treatment exists. We argue that therapy should be tailored to each patient’s needs.