NJIT-RAVR system for upper extremity rehabilitation in children with hemiplegia

Abstract

We describe the design and testing of a system that integrates rich virtual environments and assist as needed robotics to allow children with upper extremity impairments to perform rehabilitation activities in the form of computer games. Five simulations as well as positioning and interface approaches are described. To provide proof of concept we trained four children with mild to moderate upper extremity hemiplegia secondary to cerebral palsy. The children made improvements in clinical measures of upper extremity function and reaching kinematics as measured by the robot.