Robotic Therapy Program for the Arm After Stroke

In the researchers' words

The aim of this study is to evaluate an outpatient stroke rehabilitation program that uses therapy goal setting and a newly developed, low cost robot for upper limb therapy. The prototype robot has been developed by Toronto Rehab and University of Toronto along with an industry Partner, Quanser Inc. As a prototype, the robot is undergoing research for its effectiveness and feasibility and not currently used in usual therapy. Participants in this study will receive assessments, set their own therapy goals, and work with the robot. Therapy program outcomes for each participant will be evaluated in several ways. These will include comparing changes in values recorded directly from the robot (e.g. speed of movement), clinical assessments of upper limb abilities, and achievement of therapy goals. Program satisfaction will be recorded using questionnaires, surveys, and interviews. Feasibility of and requirements for delivering the program will be examined through participant enrollment, hours in the therapy program, hours of robot use, travel time and distances, and other participant factors, and staffing needs.