Advanced Robotic Therapy Integrated Centers (ARTIC): an international collaboration facilitating the application of rehabilitation technologies

Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 2018 · DOI: 10.1186/s12984-018-0366-y · Published: March 6, 2018

Assistive Technology Neurorehabilitation Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

The ARTIC network aims to advance the science and practice of rehabilitation robotics by studying variations in clinical practice and outcomes. The study collects data from patients with neurological and gait deficits using the Lokomat® gait orthosis. The network hopes to develop guidelines for robot-assisted gait training usage and answer scientific questions concerning its use.

Study Duration

Data collection started in January 2014, analysis until May 2016

Participants

595 patients (cerebral palsy: n = 208; stroke: n = 129; spinal cord injury: n = 93; traumatic brain injury: n = 39; and various other diagnoses: n = 126)

Evidence Level

Pragmatic observational study

Key Findings

1
The database included data from 595 patients with various neurological diagnoses, including cerebral palsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury.
2
At the onset of Lokomat® intervention, average walking speeds were slow across patient groups.
3
The intensity of training generally increased from the first to the final therapy session.

Research Summary

The ARTIC network successfully gathered data from multiple centers without financial incentives, amassing a large dataset on subject characteristics, outcomes, and training information. Patient characteristics generally matched epidemiological data, with deviations explained by patient selection criteria for Lokomat® training and the inclusion of pediatric centers. The network offers an opportunity to investigate the implementation and effectiveness of rehabilitation technologies, fostering knowledge exchange between researchers and therapists.

Practical Implications

Standardized Protocols

The ARTIC network can develop standardized treatment protocols and guidelines for robotic technology application.

Clinical Practice Insights

The network provides insights into real-world clinical application and effectiveness of rehabilitation technologies, complementing findings from controlled trials.

Research Expansion

The ARTIC database can serve as a foundation for researchers interested in specific interventional studies beyond the Lokomat®.

Study Limitations

1
Data quality and completeness need continuous improvement through personnel training and database updates.
2
The pragmatic nature of data collection lacks a control group, limiting the ability to draw causal inferences about the Lokomat®'s effectiveness.
3
Many patients receive additional conventional interventions alongside Lokomat® therapy, making it difficult to isolate the robot's specific contribution to goal attainment.

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