Fostering Upper Limb Recovery through Interdisciplinary Collaboration: A Review of Robotic Devices, Functional Electrical Stimulation, and Mirror Therapy

This paper explores upper-limb rehabilitation, focusing on integrating robotic devices with functional electric stimulation or mirror therapy in adults. The objective is to promote interdisciplinary collaboration among engineering, medicine, and design to develop hybrid systems for various dysfunctions. A comprehensive search from 2008 to July 2022 across four databases identified twelve systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The findings suggest that combining robotic devices with FES or MT yields positive outcomes in upper-limb recovery. Collaboration between electrical engineering and medicine shows promise in patient rehabilitation. Engineers design control systems, robotic actuators, and user-patient interfaces, while medical experts provide insights into anatomy and patient-specific needs. This interdisciplinary approach enhances robot-assisted therapy’s personalization and effectiveness, improving patient mobility and quality of life. Recent research highlights the benefits of combining robotic devices with FES or MT in upper limb rehabilitation, informing clinical practices and advancing technology integration in recovery. Addressing challenges such as refining research methodologies and considering therapy duration and daily activity alignment is essential. In summary, the synergy between electrical engineering and medicine drives innovation in rehabilitation, benefiting patients immediately and paving the way for future advancements, enhancing both short-term recovery and long-term quality of life.