Industrial-grade collaborative robots for motor rehabilitation after stroke and spinal cord injury: a systematic narrative review
Abstract Background There is a growing interest in exploring industrial-grade collaborative robots (cobots) for rehabilitation. This review explores their application for motor rehabilitation of the upper and lower extremities after a stroke and spinal cord injury (SCI). The article highlights the i...
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| Language: | English |
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BMC
2025-04-01
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| Series: | BioMedical Engineering OnLine |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12938-025-01362-z |
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| author | Aisha Raji Urvashy Gopaul Jessica Babineau Milos R. Popovic Cesar Marquez-Chin |
| author_facet | Aisha Raji Urvashy Gopaul Jessica Babineau Milos R. Popovic Cesar Marquez-Chin |
| author_sort | Aisha Raji |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background There is a growing interest in exploring industrial-grade collaborative robots (cobots) for rehabilitation. This review explores their application for motor rehabilitation of the upper and lower extremities after a stroke and spinal cord injury (SCI). The article highlights the inherent safety features of cobots, emphasizing their design advantages over custom-built or traditional rehabilitation robots in terms of potential safety and time efficiency. Methods Database searches and reference list screening were conducted to identify studies relating to the use of cobots for upper and lower extremity rehabilitation among individuals with stroke and SCI. These articles were then reviewed and summarized. Results Thirty-three studies were included in this review. The findings suggest that the use of cobots in motor rehabilitation is still in the early stages. Some of the cobots used were equipped with sensors to detect and respond to the movement of the extremities and minimize the risk of injury. This safety aspect is crucial for patients with motor impairments. Most training protocols implemented with the cobots engaged users in repetitive task-based exercises with an overall positive user experience. Thus far, these devices have been primarily evaluated in individuals with stroke and SCI that affect the lower extremities, with no study addressing upper extremity impairments. This initial focus serves as a preliminary step toward assessing their applicability for individuals with stroke and SCI. Conclusions Cobots may have the capacity to transform therapy and support healthcare professionals in delivering more personalized and effective rehabilitation. However, there is limited evidence on their use to support upper and lower extremity rehabilitation among individuals with stroke and SCI. Further research and development are needed to refine these technologies and broaden their applications in rehabilitation settings to enhance functional recovery and overall quality of life for individuals with stroke and SCI. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-028381848dea4956a914534ef78b8a6d |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 1475-925X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BioMedical Engineering OnLine |
| spelling | doaj-art-028381848dea4956a914534ef78b8a6d2025-08-20T01:47:29ZengBMCBioMedical Engineering OnLine1475-925X2025-04-0124112810.1186/s12938-025-01362-zIndustrial-grade collaborative robots for motor rehabilitation after stroke and spinal cord injury: a systematic narrative reviewAisha Raji0Urvashy Gopaul1Jessica Babineau2Milos R. Popovic3Cesar Marquez-Chin4KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health NetworkKITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health NetworkLibrary & Information Services, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health NetworkKITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health NetworkKITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health NetworkAbstract Background There is a growing interest in exploring industrial-grade collaborative robots (cobots) for rehabilitation. This review explores their application for motor rehabilitation of the upper and lower extremities after a stroke and spinal cord injury (SCI). The article highlights the inherent safety features of cobots, emphasizing their design advantages over custom-built or traditional rehabilitation robots in terms of potential safety and time efficiency. Methods Database searches and reference list screening were conducted to identify studies relating to the use of cobots for upper and lower extremity rehabilitation among individuals with stroke and SCI. These articles were then reviewed and summarized. Results Thirty-three studies were included in this review. The findings suggest that the use of cobots in motor rehabilitation is still in the early stages. Some of the cobots used were equipped with sensors to detect and respond to the movement of the extremities and minimize the risk of injury. This safety aspect is crucial for patients with motor impairments. Most training protocols implemented with the cobots engaged users in repetitive task-based exercises with an overall positive user experience. Thus far, these devices have been primarily evaluated in individuals with stroke and SCI that affect the lower extremities, with no study addressing upper extremity impairments. This initial focus serves as a preliminary step toward assessing their applicability for individuals with stroke and SCI. Conclusions Cobots may have the capacity to transform therapy and support healthcare professionals in delivering more personalized and effective rehabilitation. However, there is limited evidence on their use to support upper and lower extremity rehabilitation among individuals with stroke and SCI. Further research and development are needed to refine these technologies and broaden their applications in rehabilitation settings to enhance functional recovery and overall quality of life for individuals with stroke and SCI.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12938-025-01362-zCollaborative robot (cobot)Robotic rehabilitationStrokeRehabilitationSpinal cord injuryUpper extremity |
| spellingShingle | Aisha Raji Urvashy Gopaul Jessica Babineau Milos R. Popovic Cesar Marquez-Chin Industrial-grade collaborative robots for motor rehabilitation after stroke and spinal cord injury: a systematic narrative review BioMedical Engineering OnLine Collaborative robot (cobot) Robotic rehabilitation Stroke Rehabilitation Spinal cord injury Upper extremity |
| title | Industrial-grade collaborative robots for motor rehabilitation after stroke and spinal cord injury: a systematic narrative review |
| title_full | Industrial-grade collaborative robots for motor rehabilitation after stroke and spinal cord injury: a systematic narrative review |
| title_fullStr | Industrial-grade collaborative robots for motor rehabilitation after stroke and spinal cord injury: a systematic narrative review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Industrial-grade collaborative robots for motor rehabilitation after stroke and spinal cord injury: a systematic narrative review |
| title_short | Industrial-grade collaborative robots for motor rehabilitation after stroke and spinal cord injury: a systematic narrative review |
| title_sort | industrial grade collaborative robots for motor rehabilitation after stroke and spinal cord injury a systematic narrative review |
| topic | Collaborative robot (cobot) Robotic rehabilitation Stroke Rehabilitation Spinal cord injury Upper extremity |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12938-025-01362-z |
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