which originates from a Latin word meaning
“to straighten.” People with muscular
dystrophy retain dexterity in their hands, but
because of a lack of mobility in the arms and
shoulders have trouble using this functionality.
The orthosis fits over the arm and is controlled
by a joystick held in the free hand. The device
allows the wearer to perform simple tasks,
such as brushing teeth or eating with a fork.
Dr. Hoffman has now patented the orthosis.
I asked Dr. Hoffman how he thought
rehabilitation robotics would affect the way
patients receive treatment in physical therapy
centers. In 5-10 years, he says, physical therapy will
be a dramatically different process. “Traditionally
physical therapy has involved one or more physical
therapists working with a single patient. A
considerable portion of the therapy involves the
therapist manipulating joints and limbs and using
their experience to gather semi-quantitative data to
evaluate patient progress over time.
Repetitive motion therapy is used extensively,
particularly for persons with stroke,” Dr. Hoffman
explained. Soon, he says, robotic devices will be
found in physical therapy centers
across the country. “It will be common
for individual physical therapists to
control robotic devices which will then
provide the motion/resistance to the
patient’s joints and limbs.” The robotic
devices will also gather high quality
data about the patient’s progress
Inside treatment facilities and in
the real world, rehabilitation robotics
will soon have a major impact on the
lives of the disabled. Perhaps before
too long, wheelchairs will have been
completely replaced by exoskeletons
and prosthetic limbs will blend
seamlessly into the user’s body.
The whole concept of disability
will become radically different as
affected individuals are able to navigate
the world easier than they have ever
been able to do. SV
The wearable arm orthosis device developed by Dr. Allen Hoffman
provides elbow flexion and humeral rotation. It is driven through a
wireless connection to a joystick (not shown) operated by the
The HEXORR exoskeleton is designed to improve strength
and range of motion in rehabilitation patients.
Photo courtesy of The Catholic University of America.
The ZeroG is a
patients to safely
Photo courtesy of
46 SERVO 12.2013