Study on the Feasibility and Cost of Using ReHandyBot for Upper Limb Rehabilitation with Various Supervision Levels

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the use of a robotic device called ReHandyBot to assist patients with upper limb impairments caused by neurological or traumatic injuries, such as stroke or brain injury. These impairments can reduce independence and quality of life. The study aims to evaluate the feasibility and cost of different levels of supervision supervised, minimally supervised, and unsupervised for robot-assisted therapy, seeking new models that increase therapy doses despite limited resources. The ReHandyBot device offers exercises targeting hand and forearm movements using virtual reality and haptic feedback. Therapy sessions are personalized based on patient needs and therapist guidance, with frequency and duration varying per individual. The study will integrate the device into routine rehabilitation care, beginning with supervised sessions and potentially moving patients to less supervised therapy depending on their ability. Data on therapy dose, device usage, and cost-effectiveness will be collected. Participants admitted to clinics or ambulatory care will be screened and, if eligible, will receive therapy alongside their usual care. They will use the device while seated and interact with a virtual environment through instrumented handles. Researchers will record clinical data, therapy dose, device use, and patient feedback on usability and experience. Costs, therapy intensity, device retention, and safety will be monitored over about five years, with patient questionnaires completed at the last session.

Feasibility and Cost of Robot-assisted Upper Limb Rehabilitation with Different Levels of Supervision