Outcome measures applied to robotic assistive technology for people with cerebral palsy: a pilot study

Abstract

The application of robotic devices is being used as Assistive Technology (AT) for improving rehabilitation interventions. The purposes of this research were to (1) test a novel low-cost robotic AT to support interventions for people with Cerebral Palsy (CP); (2) determine its usability; and (3) analyze its impact. It was a pilot study with prospective, longitudinal and analytical cohorts was done. Intervention was developed in one association (NGO) of people with CP. Participants were 6 women and 3 men with CP, with a mean age of 51.67. Intervention with LOLA2 (a robotic platform, not wearable, equipped with artificial intelligence) was implemented for training some activities of daily life (ADL) of participants. Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Technology Scale (PIADS), and Assistive Technology Device Predisposition Assessment (ATPA) were used for outcome measures. Level of participants’ independence was high (FIM = 98). Psychosocial impact of the robotic platform in terms of competence (M = 0.25), adaptability (M = 0.33), and self-esteem (M = 0.25), was positive, but low. The mean in ATDPA (M = 3) reflects a moderate match. No significant variations concerning the changes in functional independence were detected. The robotic platform is applicable and complementary AT for rehabilitation. This study leads to implementing some improvements in its design, proposed activities, human-robot interaction, and system for registering information.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• Robotic devices such as LOLA2 show promise as complementary tools in rehabilitation for individuals with Cerebral Palsy (CP), highlighting the potential for improved outcomes in clinical practice.

• There is a clear need for enhancements in the usability, universal design, and technical specifications of robotic platforms like LOLA2 to ensure their full functionality and quality, underscoring the importance of ongoing development and refinement.

• Utilizing specific outcome measures tailored to assess the efficacy and applicability of assistive technologies (AT), including robotic devices, is crucial for comprehensive evaluation and informed decision-making in rehabilitation interventions.

• Further research with higher validity is necessary to expand the evidence base surrounding the use of robotic devices in assistive technology, guiding specialized technical decisions and enhancing their integration into rehabilitation practices.

Keywords:

• Robotic device
• outcome measures
• cerebral palsy
• human-robot interaction

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, [TP], upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

Support was received from the Research Center of ICT (www.citic-research.es), which is financed by the Consellería de Education, Universidades y Formación Profesional (Xunta de Galicia) through the ERDF (80%), Operational Program ERDF Galicia 2014–2020 and the remaining 20% by the Secretaria Xeral de Universidades (Ref. ED431G 2019/01). This research had the support for its publication by the National Program of R + D + i orient-ed to the Challenges of Society 2019 (coordinated research) [Grant numbers: PID2019-104323RB-C31; PID2019-104323RB-C32; and PID2019-104323RB-C33] and Ministry of Science and Innovation.