Innovative Robot-Assisted Rehabilitation for Quality-of-Life Improvement: Experience from Cooperation Between Centres in Hungary and Slovakia

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to analyse the experience of two participating workplaces in introducing innovative robotically assisted rehabilitation in clinical practice and influencing the quality of life of patients. Methodology/Approach: Online questionnaires were distributed to the rehabilitation staff of the two workplaces, and the Functional Independence Measurement (FIM) and Barthel index were measured before the start of rehabilitation and after the completion of rehabilitation. Results showed that the robots were highly effective, easy to use, and significant in achieving the therapeutic goal. Rehabilitation specialists who already have experience in robotic rehabilitation perceive the expected impacts with a higher efficiency of 10% compared to those who do not have experience with robot-assisted therapy. In a selected group of patients, a significant positive effect on the functional status of patients and their quality of life was demonstrated. Research Limitation/Implication: Robotically assisted rehabilitation has a positive effect on functional status and quality of life, motivating rehabilitation workers even when treating patients with severe disabilities. Originality/Value of paper: Data collected are beneficial for health, educational, and social fields.