Autonomous and personalized use of the I-TRAVLE concept for people with MS and stroke (R-3998)

This project focuses on Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the most frequent and disabling neurological disease in young adults (1/1000) as well as Cerebro-Vascular Accident (CVA), the most frequent and disabling condition in the aging population (44 / 1000 in the age group 65-74 years rising to 93/1000 at 85 years and older). The number of patients and thus paired ongoing care needs in the region will further increase given the increasing life expectancy but also the incidence of stroke. 75-80% of these patients are confronted with a bad arm and hand function at one (CVA) or both (MS) body sides, by which performing many activities of daily living is delayed or less often impossible for at least half of the patients. This leads to reduced self-sufficiency and greater (care) dependence with high costs, and reduced participation in society. In a previous Interreg IV project IVA VLANED - 1.14 with name "Rehabilitation Robotics II" a proof-of-concept prototype of virtual learning environment was developed with the name I- travle, 'individualized technology and robot-assisted virtual learning environment' (www. i-travle.eu). Using a rehabilitation robot (haptic master), the patient could navigate through the system and perform customized exercises that were set in advance by the therapist. Initial studies show that training with this robotic system leads to better use of the arm in everyday activities such as eating a full meal or wheelchair use.

Keywords:adaptivity, autonomous use, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS, revalidation technology, Stroke

Disciplines:Basic sciences, Clinical sciences, Translational sciences