Use of robotics in spinal cord injury: a case report.

Authors

Lori Siedziewski, Moss Rehab Hospital
Roseann C. Schaaf, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow
Julie Mount, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-2012

Comments

This article has been peer reviewed. It is the author’s final published version in The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, Volume 66, Issue 1, January/February 2012, Pages 51-58.

The published version is available at DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2012.000943. Copyright © American Occupational Therapy Association

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: We examined the use of robotics to treat upper-extremity (UE) dysfunction in tetraplegic patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).

METHOD: a 51-yr-old man with incomplete SCI participated in an occupational therapy program that combined traditional occupational therapy with Reo Go®, a comprehensive therapy platform that includes a robotic guide featuring a telescopic arm to enable high repetitions of functionally relevant UE exercises.

RESULTS: The participant demonstrated measurable improvements in active range of motion, muscle strength as measured through manual muscle testing, perceived right UE function, and self-care performance as measured by the FIM™.

CONCLUSION: The findings from this case are promising and demonstrate the Reo Go's utility in combination with traditional occupational therapy. However, more research and specific protocols that are easily reproducible with robots such as the Reo Go are needed to validate this evolving treatment area.

Recommended Citation

Siedziewski, Lori; Schaaf, Roseann C.; and Mount, Julie, "Use of robotics in spinal cord injury: a case report." (2012). Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers. Paper 34.
https://jdc.jefferson.edu/otfp/34

PubMed ID

22389939