The three-month trial, which was completed in Vienna, targeted individuals with upper limb impairments. These affect approximately 80%<\/a> of acute stroke survivors and are a common side effect of brain injuries.<\/p>\n Improving arm function in such cases involves practicing task-specific exercises repeatedly. But often, lack of motivation or visual progress indicators can negatively affect prescribed, self-managed rehabilitation routines.<\/p>\n \u201cWe know that sustained, repetitive exercises are crucial for recovery after a stroke or brain injury,\u201d said lead researcher Lynne Baillie. \u201cHowever, without supervision it can be challenging for survivors to stay motivated.\u201d<\/p>\n To explore potential solutions, the project developed a system in which a socially assistive robot<\/a> communicates with patients using a headset that monitors brain signals.<\/p>\n The robot then processes the data to interpret the patients\u2019 intended movements during different exercises. This enables them to provide real-time motivation and feedback, and even mimic movements to demonstrate an exercise.<\/p>\n![\"Two](\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2024\/08\/Researchers-trial-robotic-coaching-using-a-head-band-that-can-interpret-brain-signals-796x408.jpg\")
![\"Four](\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2024\/08\/Prof.-Lynne-Baillie-academic-lead-at-the-National-Robotarium-extreme-left-with-researchers-of-the-Vitalise-RULR-trials-in-Austria-796x597.jpg\")