Robotic assisted rehabilitation therapy for enhancing gait and motor function after stroke

During the last two decades, there have been remarkable developments in electromechanical or robotic assisted rehabilitation therapy for promoting walking ability and upper extremity motor function. Robotic devices have made high-dosage and high-intensity rehabilitative training possible, therefore, useful for enhancing neural plasticity of the central nervous system in patients with brain diseases. Robotic assisted gait therapy showed evidence for both exoskeleton and end-effector devices when used alongside conventional physiotherapy in subacute stroke patients. However, robot-assisted gait training was not proven excellent to conventional physical therapy in stroke patients with chronic stage or when delivered alone. For upper limb motor function, robotic assisted therapy was comparable or superior to conventional therapy in improving motor function and activities of daily living for both subacute and chronic stage of stroke patients. Further studies are required to clarify the best protocol for individual patient's need and its transferring effect to the real world activities of patients. Conclusively, high quality researches and development of related technology may enhance the clinical and economic efficiency of robotic assisted rehabilitation therapy in near future. Robotic rehabilitation will certainly encounter a positive opportunity of technical development during the age of fourth industrial revolution.