Robotic Technology in Physical Therapy and Beyond

Written by Taylor Le and Edited by Olivia Cooper

In 1985, the PUMA 200 robot was the first robot to successfully perform a neurosurgical biopsy, and such a profound development that combined engineering and healthcare technology was revolutionary for its time [1]. Nearly four decades later, the continued evolution and emergence of robotics in medicine have transformed the methodology, practice, and patient experience spheres of healthcare. With tasks ranging from performing highly precise surgeries to providing the elderly with psychological and mental enrichment, the emergence of robots in the 21st century is a crucial steppingstone in advancing modern treatment and medicine.

Robots are traditionally used in the manufacturing industry to perform highly efficient and repetitive tasks, seldom with human intervention. The benefits of robotics are wide-ranging, and the field of robotics specifically in healthcare is constantly researched and expanded upon. Robots can relieve medical professionals from certain tasks so they can devote more time towards diagnosing, treating, and curing patients requiring immediate care. With more sophisticated technology, robots have evolved from limited, pre-programmed duties—such as monitoring or performing repetitive tasks—to directly interacting with and assisting patients [2]. For instance, physical therapy robots are designed to provide and fit an exoskeleton onto the body or specific limbs, where specific sensors monitor and respond to movement and positioning of patients undergoing physical therapy rehabilitation [3].

Recent scientific literature has highlighted the benefits of further developing physical therapy robots with specialized training programs to treat and promote the recovery of disabled patients with spinal cord injury. A 2018 study conducted by the Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy at Daegu University examined the benefits of using robot-assisted therapy for improving arm mobility of hemiplegics, individuals with paralysis on one side of the body, by exercising their upper-extremity movement and muscle control in daily life activities. Fifteen patients underwent exclusively general occupational therapy in thirty-minute sessions for eight weeks, while another set of fifteen patients underwent general occupational therapy in addition to robot-assisted therapy. After both patient groups took a post-therapy assessment to assess motor functioning, balance, and joint functioning, the group with additional robot-aided therapy had higher scores (indicating greater improvements in arm functioning in daily life activities) compared to the group treated exclusively with general therapy. Whereas previous studies had primarily examined robotic assistance in passive resistance exercises (exercises where patient movement is assisted by a robot or physical therapist), the recent study highlights how robotic active resistance training (exercises involving physical exertion from the patient) may also improve upper extremity motion and overall patient recovery [4]. While future research may require a more extensive assessment in motor functioning improvement and the types of robots utilized, the results are promising and foretell a more widespread use of physical therapy robots.

Robotic technology in healthcare is a crucial step towards increasing the quality and efficiency of patient care, and future research may also involve implementing artificial intelligence to better assist patients and provide physicians with critical developments. While robotic technology can arguably never replace human-human treatment and interaction, the future of medicine and healthcare may be greatly improved. Perhaps, the definition of patient care and treatment may be redefined in the future, by promoting a more interdisciplinary team involving the efficiency and precision of robots with the rationale and critical-thinking ability of healthcare professionals.

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