Article

Timely and adequate rehabilitation after a stroke is crucial to
maximising recovery. A way of increasing treatment access could be through
robots, which would aid therapists in providing post-stroke rehabilitation. This
research sought to discover the needs and preferences of therapists with respect
to a robot that focuses on upper limb rehabilitation. Understanding requirements
for devices could help to increase integration into clinical practice. METHODS.
An international online survey was distributed through professional organisations
and e-mail list services to therapists. The survey contained 85 items covering
topics such as therapist background and treatment approach, rehabilitation aims
and robotic rehabilitation device attributes. RESULTS. Data were analysed for 233
respondents, most of whom were physiotherapists and occupational therapists from
Australia, Canada and USA. Top attributes included: facilitating a variety of arm
movements, being usable while seated, giving biofeedback to clients, having
virtual activities specific to daily living, being useful in-home and having
resistance adjustable to client needs. In addition, the device should cost under
6000 USD. CONCLUSIONS. Findings from this survey provide guidance for technology
developers regarding therapists' specifications for a robotic device for upper
limb rehabilitation. In addition, findings offer a better understanding of how
acceptance of such devices may be facilitated.

Langue : ANGLAIS