Rehabilitation robots for the treatment of sensorimotor deficits: a neurophysiological perspective

Rehabilitation robots are being developed to help patients recover sensorimotor function after central nervous system damage, like stroke or spinal cord injury. The design of these robots should be based on understanding how the brain and body normally control movement and how this is affected by injury. Recovery of movement after neurological damage relies on the brain's ability to reorganize itself, a process called neuroplasticity. Rehabilitation robots should aid in training movements needed for daily tasks by facilitating proper muscle activation and stimulating relevant sensory receptors. Robot-assisted therapy offers several advantages over traditional methods, including a standardized training environment, adjustable support, and the ability to increase the intensity and frequency of therapy while reducing the strain on therapists.

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  Recovery of sensorimotor function after CNS damage is based on neuroplasticity and physiological limb activation during functional training.
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  Robot-assisted therapy provides a standardized environment, allowing increased therapy intensity and dose, which are crucial for recovery.
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  The design of rehabilitation robots requires a combination of specialized engineering and neurophysiological knowledge to ensure effective clinical application.