Task-oriented rehabilitation robotics.
Task-oriented training is emerging as the dominant and most effective approach to motor rehabilitation of upper extremity function after stroke. Here, the authors propose that the task-oriented training framework provides an evidence-based blueprint for the design of task-oriented robots for the rehabilitation of upper extremity function in the form of three design principles: skill acquisition of functional tasks, active participation training, and individualized adaptive training. The previous robotic systems that incorporate elements of task-oriented trainings are then reviewed. Finally, the authors critically analyze their own attempt to design and test the feasibility of a TOR robot, ADAPT (Adaptive and Automatic Presentation of Tasks), which incorporates the three design principles. Because of its task-oriented training-based design, ADAPT departs from most other current rehabilitation robotic systems: it presents realistic functional tasks in which the task goal is constantly adapted, so that the individual actively performs doable but challenging tasks without physical assistance. To maximize efficacy for a large clinical population, the authors propose that future task-oriented robots need to incorporate yet-to-be developed adaptive task presentation algorithms that emphasize acquisition of fine motor coordination skills while minimizing compensatory movements.
Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-9006, USA.
Nicolas
N
Schweighofer
Younggeun
Y
Choi
Carolee
C
Winstein
James
J
Gordon
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000465:Algorithms; D001132:Arm / Q000503:physiopathology; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006225:Hand / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D009048:Motor Skills; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012371:Robotics / Q000295:instrumentation; D012656:Self-Help Devices; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis