Robot-Assisted Training to Improve Proprioception of Wrist

Abstract

In recent years, robot-assisted training has been shown to significantly improve motor function and proprioception in people with functional disabilities, but the efficiency of proprioceptive acuity was unclear. To characterize the efficiency of joint proprioceptive acuity improvement in space, we designed a robot-assisted ipsilateral joint position matching experiment using the wrist as the study object. We conducted 2-way repeated measures ANOVA on error data before and after training in 12 healthy subjects and mapped the distribution of wrist proprioceptive learning ability in different workspaces. The results showed significant differences in the proprioceptive acuity of the wrist joint in different workspaces and movement directions before and after training in 12 subjects (p<0.01), and the proprioceptive acuity of the wrist after training was significantly higher than before training. In addition, the learning ability of wrist proprioceptive acuity showed significant differences in different workspaces and movement directions (Flexion and Extension in habit workspace (HW) (P=0.037); Flexion and Extension in maximum workspace (MW) (P=0.016); Flexion in HW and MW (P=0.043)). Robot-assisted training is beneficial for improving the proprioceptive acuity of the wrist. The learning ability of proprioceptive acuity of joints in different movement directions is independently distributed and influenced by usage habits, which accelerate the improvement of proprioceptive acuity. This research hopes to clinically guide the development of highly effective rehabilitation programs to achieve better recovery and help build patient confidence.