Robotic training system to aid recovery from stroke developed

Washington – Researchers have developed a new robotic trolley system for providing patients, who are recovering from a stroke, spinal cord or brain injury, and orthopaedic injuries, added security to overcome the fear of falling, thereby maximizing benefit from therapy.

The risk and fear of falling often affects patients who are recovering from a stroke, spinal cord or brain injury, and orthopaedic injuries, and that fear may inhibit their progress in rehabilitation.

“The robotic trolley system moves on a ceiling-mounted, overhead track and connects to a harness holding the patient. The body weight support gives the patients the security to know that they will not fall, and the degree of support can be adjusted as the patients regain strength and mobility,” Peter Gorman, M.D., associate professor of neurology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and chief of the division of rehabilitation at the University of Maryland Rehabilitation and Orthopaedic Institute, said.

The computerized device, known as the Vector Gait and Safety System, allows therapists to program the system for each patient’s needs, including individualized body weight support.

The system provides real-time feedback and keeps track of each patient’s movements and distance walked, enabling therapists to analyze the data and tailor each patient’s rehabilitation program.