Predefined Assessment Tools in Robot Assisted Physical Therapy after Stroke

Abstract

Stroke is a major cause of death and a major cause of disability. Evidence in brain neurobiology suggests that early rehabilitation, at the right dose, improves recovery after stroke. The paper discusses the suitability of predefined assessment tools and gonio-respectively dynamometry for robot-assisted rehabilitation. Fugl-Meyer assessment test, Action Research Arm Test, and Motor Activity Log Test were compared with gonio-and dynamometry. Goniometry and dynamometry seem to be objective evaluator-independent methods at least equal to the previously presented predefined assessment tools.