Robot coaches help stroke and brain victims

ROBOT coaches could one day be used to help the recovery of people who have lost the full use of their limbs through strokes or brain injuries, researchers have suggested.

- Paul Cargill

It is estimated around 80% of patients who survive strokes and brain injuries are left with some impairment limiting arm movement.

Patients need to do repetitive exercise to improve their function, but it is believed only 31% complete their exercises due to factors such as forgetfulness or lack of motivation.

To aid their recovery, a robot has been developed by researchers that can anticipate how the user wishes to move during their prescribed routine by reading their brain activity.

Motivation