A principle of motor learning is that movement practice improves motor function; the role of applying robotic forces in improving motor function is still unclear. We offer an interim analysis of our early experience with robot-assisted therapy for people with neurological injuries. A gap exists in the rationale for proceeding with widespread implementation of robotic therapy in rehabilitation clinics because this key question remains unanswered: "Could similar benefits be achieved with simpler, less-expensive, nonrobotic technology that facilitates movement practice?" By comparing results from the Assisted Rehabilitation and Measurement (ARM) Guide with those from the Mirror Image Movement Enabler (MIME) robotic trainer, we believe that robotic forces will ultimately be shown to have additional therapeutic benefits when coupled with movement practice. Robot-assisted movement training for the stroke-impaired arm: Does it matter what the robot does? pg. 619 (PDF) About the Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development (JRRD JRRD has been a leading research journal in the field of rehabilitation medicine and technology for more than 40 years. JRRD, a peer-reviewed, scientifically indexed journal, publishes original research papers, review articles, as well as clinical and technical commentary from U.S. and international researchers on all rehabilitation research disciplines. JRRD's mission is to responsibly evaluate and disseminate scientific research findings impacting the rehabilitative healthcare community. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development (JRRD) Department of Veterans Affairs 103 South Gay Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 www.vard.org/jour/jourindx.html (责任编辑:泉水) |