Stroke Rehabilitation: the "Ronda" project, first gym in the world with wearable robots and virtual reality device for more efficient upper-limb rehabilitation and tailored workout routine
World’s first gym of wearable robots was born in Pisa, a space where patients with neurological disorders, or who have suffered a stroke, can follow customized programs for upper-limb rehabilitation. The goal of this new research project - whose name is "Ronda" - coordinated by the Biorobotics Institute of Sant'Anna School, in particular, by professor Silvestro Micera and professor Nicola Vitiello with the cooperation of professor Antonio Frisoli of Sant’Anna TeCIP Institute (Communication, Information, and Perception Technologies). Other partners include: the Unit of Neurorehabilitation of University Hospital of Pisa (directed by Dr. Carmelo Chisari); the National Research Council - CNR Institute of Neurosciences in Pisa (directed by Dr. Matteo Caleo); Ausl Hospital Tuscany Northwest (Ospedale della Versilia, directed by Dr. Federico Posteraro) and Unit of Neurorehabilitation of Pisa Hospital ASL 5 (directed by Dr. Cristina Laddaga). Humanware and Wearable Robotics spinoffs of Sant'Anna School which are developing devices for the Neuro-Cognitive Rehabilitation are also involved in the project.
"Ronda" project, acronym which stands for "wearable RObots customized for upper-limb rehabilitatioN of neurological patients," has a duration of 24 months, spring 2018 as final deadline, and was funded in large part - about 1,000,000 euro, the total cost is 1,700,000 euro - by the Tuscany Region authority, in the framework of 2007 – 2013 regional implementation program FAS (Fund Underutilized Areas), EU Action in the field of health, life quality, human healthcare, biomedical research and innovative medicines.
"Professionalism and innovation - explains Silvestro Micera, project coordinator – are the key characteristics of the 'Ronda' project which lays the foundation for a regional clinical center of excellence, a unique centre in Italy, to guarantee Tuscany a position at the forefront in the field of stroke rehabilitation ".
The “Ronda” project expects to have a gym with wearable robots installed at Cisanello Pisa Hospital Neurorehabilitation Unit, and another at Versilia hospital, in Viareggio. Thanks to "Ronda", patients will take advantage of the opportunities arising from the combination of innovative technologies and medical devices in the form of wearable robots, and customized rehabilitation approaches. The combination of the two factors, calibrated according to the residual motor ability of each patient, will offer the best and most effective therapy during rehabilitation after stroke.
The gym will be equipped with five rehabilitation units, ensuring as many customized plans for rehabilitation: two wearable robotic systems for the mobilization of shoulder and elbow for neurological patients with reduced mobility and suffering from spasticity or moderate residual motor skills; robotic devices for hand-wrist motor therapy, a new interface between man and machine that allows the patient to take advantage of the remaining capacity of upper limb muscles to control the wearable robot; a virtual reality exercise system adapted to patients capabilities enhancing residual motor skills and stimulating cognitive ability.
