Development of a robot-based work station for OT upper extremity coordination therapy

A robot-based exercise system was developed for use as a therapy tool for individuals with upper extremity coordination problems. The system consists of a personal computer, an industrial robot, a special end-effector mounted at the end of the robot arm, and an interactive software program. When activated, the interactive software allows therapists to program treatment plans for the patient on the computer screen. It controls the positioning of the robot arm in space within the robot coordinate volume, and prompts the patient to perform the programmed treatment tasks in responses to audio and visual cueing signals. The software monitors the patient's performance and provides feedback to the patient and the therapist. The system is able to provide reproducible and quantitative measurements of treatment activities and patient progress. Detailed tests are underway to determine its use as a treatment tool for patients regaining motor control of the shoulder and the hand, or as an assessment tool for motor control and cognitive skills.