Aberdeen- partner to public services

People recovering from strokes could soon have their recovery boosted by a new ‘soft robotic arm’ being developed at the University of Aberdeen. James Greig, a final year PhD researcher, in partnership with Thérèse Lebedis OBE, Consultant AHP (Occupational Therapist) in Stroke, has designed and built a device which could allow patients to carry out physiotherapy at home in addition to assisted physiotherapy. The lightweight, affordable equipment uses flexible, inflatable material to support the arm as it makes basic repetitive movements – essential for rehabilitation following a stroke. Like many public services, access to physiotherapy is limited; James identified a need for technologies that patients can use safely at home to complement their regular physio.

Whilst the robotic arm was designed with stroke patients in mind, it could be used to assist anyone undergoing physiotherapy on this specific movement of the arm. The robotic device is worn on the arm and works by pumping air from a small compressor into a series of strips of material which inflate, press against each other and encourage movement in the limb – akin to a bicep curl.