Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Carolynn Patten is a pioneering researcher in neurorehabilitation, whose work centers on restoring mobility after stroke through innovative robotic and treadmill-based therapies. Her most influential study, a 2009 pilot investigation of Lokomat versus manual-assisted treadmill training for locomotor recovery post-stroke, has garnered 327 citations, establishing her as a key figure in the field. This work critically compared robotic exoskeleton training to labor-intensive manual body-weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT), revealing that robotic approaches could offer more consistent outcomes while reducing therapist burden. Patten’s broader contributions include exploring unexpected recovery patterns with robotic training at physiologic speeds, as well as analyzing how wearable robotic orthoses improve weight-bearing symmetry during sit-to-stand transitions and muscle activation during overground walking. Her research has demonstrated that intention-based robotic exoskeletons can enhance neuromuscular coordination, challenging conventional rehabilitation paradigms. With a focus on translating engineering innovations into clinical practice, Patten’s work has directly shaped protocols for post-stroke gait rehabilitation, offering scalable, evidence-based alternatives to traditional therapy. Her findings continue to inform the design of robotic interventions that prioritize patient-specific, task-oriented training, making her a vital voice in the intersection of robotics and neurorecovery.