ROBOT-ASSISTED PEDIATRIC REHABILITATION OF UPPER LIMB FUNCTIONS

Abstract

Cerebral palsy (CP) is considered as a neurological disorder caused by damage to the motor control centers of the developing brain. It is the leading cause of childhood disability, with an incidence of 2 to 3 per 1000 infants diagnosed each year. Impaired arm and hand functions are the most common symptoms following CP and can significantly affect the lives of the CP children.

This thesis investigates robot-assisted rehabilitation following CP and presents the development of a novel robot, the reachMAN2, to train pinching, forearm pronation/supination and wrist flexion/extension; three fundamental exercises required in daily activities such as dressing, writing and eating.