Arno H. A. Stienen
Northwestern University, University of Twente, Delft University of Technology
Papers
35
Total Citations
1,859
H-Index
18
About
Arno H. A. Stienen is a leading figure in rehabilitation robotics, whose work bridges mechanical design, control theory, and clinical application to restore movement after neurological injury. His research centers on robot-mediated therapy for stroke survivors, with a particular focus on upper-limb and gait rehabilitation. Stienen’s major contributions include the development of admittance control for safe, intuitive physical human–robot interaction—a framework cited over 360 times—and the design of innovative devices like the Dampace exoskeleton and the Freebal gravity compensation system. These technologies enable targeted, impairment-based training that can be self-administered at home, as demonstrated in the SCRIPT project. His systematic review on training modalities in robot-mediated stroke therapy (403 citations) established a foundational classification system for the field. Stienen’s work has shown that robotic interventions not only match but can exceed conventional therapy in improving motor scores and strength, while his studies on gravity compensation and spastic reflexes have deepened understanding of motor control post-stroke. With over 1,500 total citations across his most-cited papers, Stienen’s impact is evident in both the engineering principles he advanced and the tangible rehabilitation tools he brought to clinical and home settings.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1
- 2Admittance control for physical human–robot interaction363 citations · 2018
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- 5Dampace: dynamic force-coordination trainer for the upper extremities110 citations · 2007
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- 9Freebal: dedicated gravity compensation for the upper extremities63 citations · 2007
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