Servo - December 2013

which originates from a Latin word meaning “to straighten.” People with muscular dystrophy retain dexterity in their hands, but because of a lack of mobility in the arms and shoulders have trouble using this functionality.

The orthosis fits over the arm and is controlled by a joystick held in the free hand. The device allows the wearer to perform simple tasks, such as brushing teeth or eating with a fork.

Dr. Hoffman has now patented the orthosis.

I asked Dr. Hoffman how he thought rehabilitation robotics would affect the way patients receive treatment in physical therapy centers. In 5-10 years, he says, physical therapy will be a dramatically different process. “Traditionally physical therapy has involved one or more physical therapists working with a single patient. A considerable portion of the therapy involves the therapist manipulating joints and limbs and using their experience to gather semi-quantitative data to evaluate patient progress over time. Repetitive motion therapy is used extensively, particularly for persons with stroke,” Dr. Hoffman explained. Soon, he says, robotic devices will be found in physical therapy centers across the country. “It will be common for individual physical therapists to control robotic devices which will then provide the motion/resistance to the patient’s joints and limbs.” The robotic devices will also gather high quality data about the patient’s progress during therapy.

Inside treatment facilities and in the real world, rehabilitation robotics will soon have a major impact on the lives of the disabled. Perhaps before too long, wheelchairs will have been completely replaced by exoskeletons and prosthetic limbs will blend seamlessly into the user’s body.

The whole concept of disability will become radically different as affected individuals are able to navigate the world easier than they have ever been able to do. SV

The wearable arm orthosis device developed by Dr. Allen Hoffman provides elbow flexion and humeral rotation. It is driven through a wireless connection to a joystick (not shown) operated by the functional hand.