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Robotic-Aided Therapy for Upper Extremities

(As seen on WCCO TV)

InMotion 2 Robot

The InMotion 2 robot is a new technology at Sister KennyŽ Rehabilitation Institute that is being used for intensive rehabilitation for patients recovering from stroke or brain injury who have limited strength or movement in the upper extremities.

Robotic interventions like the InMotion 2 are based on the principal of neuroplasticity (the ability of the brain to adapt) and therapeutic interventions that:

• provide a challenge
• are repeated
• engage the patient cognitively

Recent studies from researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology showed that the InMotion 2 robot significantly improved patients’ recovery of arm movement.

How It Works

The robotic arm sits on a desktop, along with a computer monitor. The patient’s arm is positioned in a trough connected to the robotic arm. The computer prompts the patient to perform a task such as connecting the dots or drawing the hands of a clock, which is visually tracked on the screen.

If the patient does not have the ability to move the upper extremity, the robot moves the arm for the person. If the patient can initiate the movement on their own, the robot turns itself off and allows the patient’s movement to continue.

The robotic arm performs four basic movements that are part of many therapy plans: passive, active assistive, active range of motion and progressive resistance.

These exercises, when combined with the purposeful and engaging computer games, allow patients to receive the repetition necessary (up to 700 per hour) to achieve the desired range of motion, strength, and ultimately increased function in the arm.

Who May Benefit From Robotic-Aided Therapy

Patients appropriate for robotic intervention include those who:

• are six months or greater post stroke or brain injury
• have a physician’s order
• have sufficient cognitive and language ability to understand and follow instructions
• have stroke-related impairments in muscle strength of the affected shoulder and elbow
• are age 18 or older

A patient will typically receive one hour of robotic therapy three times a week for six weeks.

For More Information

Robotic-aided therapy requires a physician’s order. If you’re interested in receiving this type of therapy, discuss it first with your doctor. For more information, call 612-863-7642.
 

Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute
800 E. 28th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612-863-4200 or toll free 866-880-3550
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