(image: Korea Institute of Science and Technology)
SEOUL, Sept. 25 (Korea Bizwire) — An international research consortium has proven that robots can be used in the effective rehabilitation of persons with cerebral palsy.
The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), which took part in the consortium, developed robot-based technology that can be used to conduct sense and movement training for persons with cerebral palsy.
Cerebral palsy generally involves spasticity on either or both sides of the foot and knee, causing rigidity in the joints and forcing the person to walk inwards.
The research team first met with eight persons with cerebral palsy to figure out which part of the leg was most uncomfortable, based on which the team provided robots used for stretching the foot or the knee as well as for correcting inward-walking.
First, the stretching robot relieves the rigidity in the joints, after which the walking-enhancement robot is used to conduct rehabilitation training to walk properly.
After a six-week program, the participants saw actual improvement in walking, the research team explained.
“The robots can be tailored to the rehabilitation needs of each patient,” said Dr. Lee Song-ju from KIST. “The robots will help treat a variety of musculoskeletal and mobile disabilities.”
Other members of the consortium included the University of Maryland-College Park, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Sun Yat-Sen University, and the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology.
H. M. Kang (hmkang@koreabizwire.com)
