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The Combined Use of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Robotic Therapy for the Upper Limb
Published on: September 23, 2018
Exploring the use of robotics in occupational therapy within hospital settings: A scoping review
Clara Leong1, Ryoka Elton2, Shelby Geers2
1Occupational Therapy Department, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
Introduction:
Robot-assisted therapy (RT) is an emerging intervention, offering potential to enhance the effectiveness of conventional occupational therapy through task-specific, repetitive, and intensive training. Although RT has shown promise in improving functional outcomes, its integration into practice within hospital settings remains underexplored. This scoping review aimed to identify the types of RT used in occupational therapy care within hospital settings, understand how it is applied across different populations and treatment parameters, and review the range of outcomes reported.
Methods:
A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology with four databases searched (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, and ProQuest). Studies published within the last 5 years that used RT in occupational therapy in adult hospital settings were included. Risk of bias assessment of included studies was conducted using the JBI Critical Appraisal tools. Data were extracted on RT type, participant demographics, intervention characteristics, and reported outcomes with descriptive synthesis of findings.
Results:
Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Three main types of robotic technology were identified (end-effector, exoskeleton, and sensor-based), with interventions utilising 18 different types of robotic devices along with conventional occupational therapy. End-effector robots were most frequently used, with RT dedicated primarily to post-stroke rehabilitation. RT treatment intensity ranged from 2 to 40 sessions, over 2 to 6 weeks. Statistically significant improvements in upper limb function (e.g. FMA-UE scores) were reported in RT intervention groups in 17 studies, with improvements in functional independence (e.g. MBI scores) reported. Only two studies examined long-term upper limb outcomes and cost-effectiveness.
Conclusion:
RT shows promise in supporting occupational therapy care in hospital settings, particularly for stroke and neurological rehabilitation. There are gaps in knowledge regarding optimal treatment protocols for RT and its application to other conditions, long-term rehabilitation outcomes, and cost-effectiveness. Future research should explore cost-effectiveness, best treatment protocol, and sustainability of rehabilitation outcomes to guide optimal use of RT within hospital settings.
Consumer And Community Involvement:
There was no consumer or community involvement.
