Objective
The aim of the RETRAINER proposal is to tune and validate advanced, robot-based technologies to facilitate recovery of arm and hand function in stroke survivors and to verify extensively the use of the system by end-users. RETRAINER will allow the users to use their own arm and hand as much and as soon as possible after the trauma so to achieve the best outcomes in rehabilitation. A continuous iterative process between the technology development and the testing feedback will drive the whole project. RETRAINER will implement a full technology transfer from the results of a previous FP7 project, MUNDUS, aimed at setting up a similar assistive device for severely disabled people in daily life activities.
RETRAINER will make available two systems that could be used either combined or stand-alone. RETRAINER S1 will provide the end-user with a robot that does not completely take over the user’s tasks and substitute the functionality of the body, but specifically supports the user only whenever he/she really needs support. Residual functionality is trained and improved on rather than replaced by the robotic device. Arm movements will be supported by the combined action of a passive exoskeleton for weight relief and Neuromuscular Electrical stimulation (NMES) delivered to several arm muscles in a controlled manner. RETRAINER S2 will exploit a wearable NMES system with multiple arrays of electrodes for hand rehabilitation facilitating the grasping function. Both systems will benefit from use of interactive objects, i.e. daily-life objects able to supply information about themselves to drive usage. Within RETRAINER the same principle and module will be exploited to drive rehabilitation exercises and to monitor daily life.
The systems will undergo a thorough randomized control clinical trial with end users to assess their efficacy in rehabilitation. Certification and qualification of the system will be pursued, given the adequate quality of experimental results.
Fields of science
- social sciencesmedia and communications
- medical and health sciencesclinical medicinephysiotherapy
- medical and health sciencesbasic medicineneurologystroke
- social sciencespolitical sciencespolitical policiescivil society
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringrobotics
Programme(s)
Topic(s)
Funding Scheme
IA - Innovation action
Coordinator
20155 Milano
Italy
See on map
Participants (9)
20133 Milano
See on map
1040 Wien
See on map
1015 Lausanne
See on map
1110 Wien
See on map
Legal entity other than a subcontractor which is affiliated or legally linked to a participant. The entity carries out work under the conditions laid down in the Grant Agreement, supplies goods or provides services for the action, but did not sign the Grant Agreement. A third party abides by the rules applicable to its related participant under the Grant Agreement with regard to eligibility of costs and control of expenditure.
Participation ended
1110 Wien
22100 Como
See on map
61462 Koenigstein Im Taunus
See on map
10623 Berlin
See on map
39114 Magdeburg
See on map
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.