A comparison of motor adaptations to robotically facilitated upper extremity task practice demonstrated by children with cerebral palsy and adults with stroke

Abstract

Nine children with cerebral palsy and nine adults with stroke were trained using 5 different upper extremity simulations using the NJIT-RAVR system for approximately nine to twelve hours over a three week period. Both groups made improvements in clinical measurements of upper extremity function and reaching kinematics. Patterns and magnitudes of improvement differ between the two groups. Responses to training required adjustment of the robotic system to accommodate the rehabilitation needs of children with cerebral palsy.

© 2011 IEEE

Figures

Fig. 1

Screenshots of training simulations performed by adults with CVA and children with CP. a) Bubble Explosion, b) Cup reach, c) Falling Objects, d) HammerHM, e) Space Ship.

Fig. 2

Pediatric subject using NJIT RAVR system to perform HAMMER simulation.

Fig. 3

Children with CP, red lines, adults with stroke, blue lines. Left: Daily changes in path length. Center: Daily changes in Movement Time. Right : Daily changes in smoothness.