Translation of robot-assisted rehabilitation to clinical service in upper limb rehabilitation

Rehabilitation robots can provide highly intensive and repetitive training after stroke. However, the rehabilitation effects of the clinical services after clinical trials have not been well evaluated yet. This study aims to compare the training effectiveness of upper limb training by an electromyography (EMG)-driven robotic hand achieved in a well-controlled research setting and in a practical clinical service. Thirty-two participants with chronic stroke ailments were recruited to attend the EMG-driven robotic hand-assisted upper limb training either in the clinical setting (n = 16, clinic group) or in the research setting (n = 16, lab group). The results showed that the effectiveness of the EMG-driven robotic hand training achieved in the clinical service was comparable to the rehabilitation effects achieved in the research-based clinical trial. Meanwhile, the clinic group demonstrated a rise in independence in their daily lives and the activities they undertook, and a more marked and effectual release of muscle tone.