Keeping in touch with technology: the potential of robotic therapy for upper limb rehabilitation following stroke

The rapid pace of technological development has an ever-increasing influence on contemporary society. In recent years, healthcare policy in the United Kingdom has placed an emphasis on individualised care, the use of technology and the impact of long-term conditions across the population. While the use of robotic therapy can positively influence the recovery of arm function, in terms of motor impairment following stroke in acute and particularly in chronic stages of rehabilitation, evidence supporting impacting on activities of daily living is not clear. Robotic therapy should be understood in the context of not being a replacement for physiotherapy, and this article seeks to provide an overview of how it can offer a safe, effective and efficient adjunct to rehabilitation in the upper limb following stroke.