Rehabilitation Robotics: Enhancing Patient Recovery
Bamuraza Nfukwe W.
Faculty of Medicine Kampala International University Uganda
ABSTRACT
Rehabilitation robotics has emerged as a transformative field that integrates engineering, medicine, and artificial intelligence to assist individuals in recovering motor functions after injuries or neurological impairments. This paper investigates the evolution of rehabilitation robotics, key technological advancements, and its clinical applications in stroke recovery, spinal cord injury rehabilitation, and pediatric therapy. The discussion highlights challenges such as cost, accessibility, patient acceptability, and regulatory barriers that hinder widespread adoption. Future directions emphasize innovations in soft robotics, personalized rehabilitation, virtual reality, and gamification to enhance patient engagement. The integration of robotics into teletherapy and neuroscience-based interventions offers promising avenues for improving therapeutic outcomes and patient autonomy. A collaborative approach involving healthcare professionals, researchers, and industry stakeholders is essential to drive advancements and ensure equitable access to rehabilitation robotics.