Reliable and valid robot-assisted assessments of hand proprioceptive, motor and sensorimotor impairments after stroke.

Background: Neurological injuries such as stroke often differentially impair hand motor and somatosensory function, as well as the interplay between the two, which leads to limitations in performing activities of daily living. However, it is challenging to identify which specific aspects of sensorimotor function are impaired based on conventional clinical assessments that are often insensitive and subjective. In this work we propose and validate a set of robot-assisted assessments aiming at disentangling hand proprioceptive from motor impairments, and capturing their interrelation (sensorimotor impairments).

Design and Characterization of a Robotic Device for the Assessment of Hand Proprioceptive, Motor, and Sensorimotor Impairments.

Hand function is often impaired after neurological injuries such as stroke. In order to design patient-specific rehabilitation, it is essential to quantitatively assess those deficits. Current clinical scores cannot provide the required level of detail, and most assessment devices have been developed for the proximal joints of the upper limb.