The realization of robotic neurorehabilitation in clinical: use of computational intelligence and future prospects analysis

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Although there is a need for rehabilitation treatment with the increase in the aging population, the shortage of skilled physicians frustrates this necessity. Robotic technology has been advocated as one of the most viable methods with the potential to replace humans in providing physical rehabilitation of patients with neurological impairment. However, because the pioneering robot devices suffer several reservations such as safety and comfort concerns in clinical practice, there is an urgent need to provide upgraded replacements. The rapid development of intelligent computing has attracted the attention of researchers concerning the utilization of computational intelligence algorithms for robots in rehabilitation.

Areas covered: This article reviews the state of the art and advances of robotic neurorehabilitation with computational intelligence. We classified advances into two categories: mechanical structures and control methods. Prospective outlooks of rehabilitation robots also have been discussed.

Expert opinion: The aggravation of global aging has promoted the application of robotic technology in neurorehabilitation. However, this approach is not mature enough to guarantee the safety of patients. Our critical review summarizes multiple computation algorithms which have been proved to be valuable for better robotic use in clinical settings and guide the possible future advances in this industry.

KEYWORDS:

• Neurorehabilitation
• robot-assisted
• computational intelligence
• mechanical structures
• control methods

Article highlights

• Robot-aided interventions have been playing an increasing role in the treatment of stroke patients over recent years subject to the increasing aging population.

• Original robotic equipment has some potential risks that are likely to cause second injuries. Advance technologies of computational intelligence algorithms are applied for optimizing the application of robots in rehabilitation.

• Robotic neurorehabilitation rapidly progresses in certifying clinical operation with the help of computational intelligence algorithms, not only in mechanical structures, but also in control methods.

• For a brighter future of rehabilitation robots, plenty of constructive suggestions are considered for improving computation intelligence algorithms and a variety of advanced technologies should be greatly considered.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Declaration of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31971242), Chongqing Technology Innovation and Application Development Project of China (cstc2020jscx-msxmX0132, cstc2019jcyj-zdxmX0028) as well as Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (2020CDCGJ011) and Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, China (KYYJ202001).