Understanding and treating arm movement impairment after chronic brain injury: Progress with the ARM guide

Significant potential exists for enhancing physical rehabilitation followin g neurologic injury through the use of robotic and mechatronic devices (or "rehabilitators"). We review the development of a rehabilitator (the "ARM G uide") to diagnose and treat arm movement impairment following stroke and o ther brain injuries. As a diagnostic tool, the ARM Guide provides a basis f or evaluation of several key motor impairments, including abnormal tone, in coordination, and weakness. As a therapeutic tool, the device provides a me ans to implement and evaluate active assist therapy for the arm. Initial re sults with three stroke subjects demonstrate that such therapy can produce quantifiable benefits in the chronic hemiparetic arm. Directions for future research regarding the efficacy and practicality of rehabilitators are dis cussed.