Current neuroscience has identified rehabilitation approaches with the potential to stimulate adaptive changes in brains of persons hemiparesis. These include, intensive task-oriented training, bimanual activities and balancing proximal distal upper extremity interventions reduce competition between these segments for neural territory.

Abstract Background We hypothesize that the integration of virtual reality (VR) with robot assisted rehabilitation could be successful if applied to children hemiparetic CP. The combined benefits increased attention provided by VR and larger training stimulus afforded adaptive robotics may increase beneficial effects these two approaches synergistically. This paper will describe NJIT-RAVR system, which combines complex simulations for upper extremity impairments function in CP examine...

Recovery of upper extremity function is particularly recalcitrant to successful rehabilitation. Robotic-assisted arm training devices integrated with virtual targets or complex reality gaming simulations are being developed deal this problem. Neural control mechanisms indicate that reaching and hand-object manipulation interdependent, suggesting on tasks requiring coordinated effort both the hand may be a more effective method for improving recovery real world function. However, most robotic...

The development and testing of an observational gait assessment instrument, the Spinal Cord Injury Functional Ambulation Inventory (SCI-FAI) is described. To assess validity reliability, 22 subjects with incomplete spinal cord injury were scored by four raters. Raters each subject three times, once live (LS) twice from videotaped records (VS1, VS2). A moderate-good negative correlation (r = -0.742 -0.700, for VS1 VS2, respectively) was found between score time required to walk a demarcated...

Current neuroscience has identified several constructs to increase the effectiveness of upper extremity rehabilitation. One is use progressive, skill acquisition-oriented training. Another approach emphasizes bilateral activities. Building on these principles, this paper describes design and feasibility testing a robotic/virtual environment system designed train arm persons who have had strokes. The provides variety assistance modes, scalable workspaces hand-robot interfaces allowing with...

Objective: To investigate the ability of New Jersey Institute Technology Robot Assisted Virtual Rehabilitation (NJIT-RAVR) system training to elicit changes in upper extremity (UE) function children with hemiplegia secondary cerebral palsy.Methods: Nine (mean age 9 years, three males) participated pilots. Subjects trained 1 hour, 3 days a week for weeks. Two groups performed this protocol as their only intervention. The third group also 5–6 hours constraint-induced movement therapy.Results:...

There is conflict regarding the benefits of greater amounts intensive upper limb rehabilitation in early period post-stroke. This study was conducted to test feasibility providing therapy during post-stroke and develop a randomized control trial that currently process. Specifically, investigated whether an additional 8 h specialized, (200-300 separate hand or arm movements per hour) virtual reality (VR)/robotic based training introduced within 1-month resulted improvement impairment...

Several approaches to rehabilitation of the hand following a stroke have emerged over last two decades. These treatments, including repetitive task practice, robotically assisted and virtual activities, produce improvements in function, but yet reinstate function pre-stroke levels— which likely depends on developing therapies impact cortical reorganization manner that favors or supports recovery. Understanding underlies above interventions is therefore critical inform how such can be...

Abstract Background After stroke, sustained hand rehabilitation training is required for continuous improvement and maintenance of distal function. Methods In this paper, we present a system designed implemented in our lab: the Home based Virtual Rehabilitation System (HoVRS). Fifteen subjects with chronic stroke were recruited to test feasibility as well refine design protocol prepare future efficacy study. HoVRS was placed subjects’ homes, asked use at least 15 min every weekday 3 months...

Objective: This article describes the findings of a study examining ability persons with strokes to use home virtual rehabilitation system (HoVRS), home-based system, and impact motivational enhancement techniques on subjects' motivation, adherence, motor function improvements subsequent 3-month training program. Materials Methods: HoVRS integrates Leap Motion controller, passive arm support, suite custom-designed hand simulations. For this study, we developed library three simulations,...

Robotically facilitated therapeutic activities, performed in virtual environments have emerged as one approach to upper extremity rehabilitation after stroke. Body function level improvements been demonstrated for robotically training of the arm. A smaller group studies modest activity by hand or integrated and The purpose this study was compare a program complex finger tasks without arm movement paired with separate set reaching activities movement, entire simultaneously, utilizing...

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) induced motor evoked potentials (MEPs) are an established proxy of corticospinal excitability. As a binary measure, the presence (MEP+) or absence (MEP-) ipsilesional hemisphere MEPs early following stroke is robust indicator long-term recovery, however this measure does not provide information about spatial cortical reorganization. have been systematically acquired over sensorimotor cortex to "map" topography. In investigation we compared degree which...

This study describes a novel robotic system using haptic effects and objects, in rich, three- dimensional virtual environments (VEs) for the sensorimotor training of hemiparetic hand. is used to compare effectiveness two paradigms, one activities that train hand arm together (HAT) as functional unit similar conditions, separately (HAS). Four subjects practiced three hours/day 8 days (HAS) simulations. same amount time HAT group improved 23% Wolf Motor Function Test 29% Jebsen Hand Function,...

This study investigates patterns of brain reorganization in chronic stroke subjects after two weeks robot-assisted arm and hand training virtual reality (VR). Four were studied with event-related fMRI while doing simple paretic finger movements before (double baseline) training. Bilateral recorded used to provide real-time feedback during scanning eliminate performance confounds on results. The kinematic parameters each movement also the general linear model BOLD signal investigate...

Background and Purpose: A majority of studies examining repetitive task practice facilitated by robots for the treatment upper extremity paresis utilize standardized protocols applied to large groups. Others interventions tailored patients but do not describe clinical decision-making process utilized develop modify interventions. This case study describes a robot-based intervention customized match goals presentation person with hemiparesis secondary stroke. Methods: The patient, P.M., was...

To contrast changes in clinical and kinematic measures of upper extremity movement response to virtually simulated traditionally presented rehabilitation interventions persons with hemiparesis due chronic stroke.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that Lee Silverman Voice Treatment-BIG decreases negative impact hypokinesia on dual task performance in persons with Parkinson's disease. [Subjects and Methods] records 114 patients admitted outpatient rehabilitation at a suburban hospital were reviewed. Demographics data for 8 outcome measures extracted subjects completed 14 16 sessions BIG. 93 these had pre post-test Timed Up Go, Go Motor, Cognitive scores. Average age 68.4 years...