Frontiers in Neuroscience (Sep 2018)

Mobile Mechatronic/Robotic Orthotic Devices to Assist–Rehabilitate Neuromotor Impairments in the Upper Limb: A Systematic and Synthetic Review

  • Gelu Onose,
  • Gelu Onose,
  • Nirvana Popescu,
  • Constantin Munteanu,
  • Vlad Ciobanu,
  • Corina Sporea,
  • Marian-Daniel Mirea,
  • Cristina Daia,
  • Cristina Daia,
  • Ioana Andone,
  • Aura Spînu,
  • Andrada Mirea,
  • Andrada Mirea

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2018.00577
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12

Abstract

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This paper overviews the state-of-the-art in upper limb robot-supported approaches, focusing on advancements in the related mechatronic devices for the patients' rehabilitation and/or assistance. Dedicated to the technical, comprehensively methodological and global effectiveness and improvement in this inter-disciplinary field of research, it includes information beyond the therapy administrated in clinical settings-but with no diminished safety requirements. Our systematic review, based on PRISMA guidelines, searched articles published between January 2001 and November 2017 from the following databases: Cochrane, Medline/PubMed, PMC, Elsevier, PEDro, and ISI Web of Knowledge/Science. Then we have applied a new innovative PEDro-inspired technique to classify the relevant articles. The article focuses on the main indications, current technologies, categories of intervention and outcome assessment modalities. It includes also, in tabular form, the main characteristics of the most relevant mobile (wearable and/or portable) mechatronic/robotic orthoses/exoskeletons prototype devices used to assist-rehabilitate neuromotor impairments in the upper limb.

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