Project 458413

Multiple sclerosis (MS) can be a debilitating disease; however, exercise can combat disease progression. Many people with MS report having a most affected limb and a less symptomatic (preferred usage) limb. Many activities of daily living require the use of both hands and range from complex tasks (such as typing or doing up buttons) to rudimentary tasks (such as propping oneself up in bed). The less affected hand is heavily relied on to complete everyday tasks. Cross-education (CE) is an amazing phenomenon whereby the less affected limb undergoes training, and the limb that was not trained gets better. This phenomenon is important when the most affected limb cannot perform movements typical of rehabilitation or resistance training. Imagine if CE could help rehabilitate an immobilized limb for individuals with MS! This is not a typical exercise intervention study. The purpose is to train one limb using a robotic device and evaluate functional patient outcomes for the untrained limb. This study is unique due to an adaptive robotic device as the therapy. The device provides a safe, fun, interactive experience and individualized training. This innovative approach can advance treatment and care for people affected by MS. In this study, assessments of muscular strength and physiology of the nervous system will evaluate how the training translates to real-life benefits. This will be the first study to investigate an adaptive robotics training program to improve clinical outcomes and function in the untrained limb. The knowledge generated from this work will open opportunities for researchers studying non-pharmacological approaches to the management of MS, will provide data for engineers to enhance robotic assessments and will stimulate further study of CE in the upper limb. This can enhance the rehabilitative process and greatly improving overall function and quality of life.