User experience on robotics for post-stroke upper limb rehabilitation

Uvod: Robotske naprave za zgornji ud se vedno pogosteje uporabljajo v rehabilitacijski obravnavi bolnikov po možganski kapi. Omogočajo intenzivne in ponavljajoče gibe, ki vplivajo na mišično moč, obseg giba, koordinacijo gibov in spodbujajo motorično učenje. Vadba na robotskih napravah spodbuja in motivira uporabnika. Namen: Namen diplomskega dela je bil raziskati, kako osebe po možganski kapi, ki so bile vključene v rehabilitacijsko obravnavo, ocenjujejo, sprejemajo in se odzivajo na vadbo s pomočjo robotskih naprav za zgornji ud. Metode dela: Oblikovali smo anketni vprašalnik. Sestavljen je bil iz 34 vprašanj in trditev, ki opisujejo mnenja in izkušnje anketiranih o vadbi na robotskih napravah za zgornji ud. Vzorec anketiranih so bile osebe po možganski kapi, ki so bile deležne celostne rehabilitacijske obravnave na Univerzitetnem rehabilitacijskem inštitutu - Soča, vključene v vadbo na robotskih napravah za zgornji ud. Skupno smo zbrali 24 anketnih vprašalnikov. Rezultati: Anketirani so vadbo na robotskih napravah za zgornji ud v večini pozitivno doživljali in sprejemali. Vadba jim je predstavljala nekaj novega, zanimivega in učinkovitega za izboljšanje motorične funkcije okvarjenega zgornjega uda. Kot prednosti tovrstne vadbe so izpostavili tudi boljšo dinamiko, popestritev, zabavo, pridobitev novih izkušenj, aktivacijo posameznih gibov itd. Kot slabost so izpostavili prekratko trajanje vadbe. V primerjavi s klasično delovno terapijo so bili preiskovanci pri vadbi na robotskih napravah bolj motivirani, samozavestni in uspešni. Pri vadbi na robotskih napravah so občutili tudi večji občutek varnosti in zadovoljstva, so se pa počutili bolj sproščeno pri klasični delovni terapiji. Razprava in zaključek: Vključeni v raziskavo so dobro sprejemali vadbo na robotskih napravah za zgornji ud. Čeprav smo dobili pozitivne rezultate, vadba na robotskih napravah ne more nadomestiti klasične delovne terapije, ampak služi le kot dopolnitev k običajni rehabilitacijski obravnavi. Za čim boljšo izkušnjo in dobro počutje uporabnika predlagamo, da se pred začetkom obravnave dodeljeni delovni terapevt pogovori s svojim uporabnikom o njegovih željah glede sodelovanja pri vadbi na robotskih napravah za zgornji ud.Introduction: The use of roboticsin stroke rehabilitation for the upper limb is very common. It enables intensive and repetitive movements which have an impact on the muscle strength, range of motion, coordination and improve motor learning. Robotic devices encourage and motivates the user. Purpose: The aim of this thesis was to evaluate users’ perspectives on robotics for post-stroke upper limb rehabilitation. Methods: We designed a questionnaire. It contains 34 questions and statements about subjects’ opinions and experience of robotics for upper limb rehabilitation. The study sample included post-stroke patients who had rehabilitation at the University rehabilitation institute republic of Slovenia – Soča and were involved in robotic therapy for the upper limb. We collected 24 valid questionnaires. Results: Respondents have a positive perspective on the robot therapy for the upper limb. They experienced it as something new and exciting. Use of robotics was also perceived as an effective for the improvement of the upper limb motor function. Robotic training is described as a new dynamics, diversification, fun, gaining a new experience, activation of individual movements etc. As a weakness participants pointed out the short duration of the exercise. Compared to the conventional occupational therapy training, during robotic upper limb training participants were more motivated, confident and successful. In terms of safety and pleasure a greater affection was shown towards robotics. They felt more relaxed during conventional occupational therapy. Discussion and conclusion: On the basis of the obtained results, we can conclude that our participants accepted well robotics for the upper limb. Even though we received positive results, robot therapy cannot replace the impact of conventional occupational therapy. It can serve as an additional therapy to the rehabilitation. The key to good experience and user well-being is to discuss before the start of the treatment about their wishes in terms of participating in robotics for the upper limb