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Robot-assisted therapy for the arm

Devices that support high-repetition arm practice - useful for adding volume to therapy.

Rehabilitation robots can guide and support the arm through many repetitions, adding practice volume to therapy.

The appeal

  • Enables high numbers of repetitions.
  • Provides consistent support and feedback.
  • Can be graded to ability.

What evidence suggests

  • May improve arm function when added to therapy.
  • Benefits likely tied to extra practice.
  • Not a replacement for human-guided therapy.

In practice

  • Availability varies by centre.
  • Best combined with real-task practice.
  • Discuss options with your team.

What it means for everyday practice

Evidence points to a few practical habits rather than any single “cure”:

  • Favour approaches that are consistent, meaningful, and sustainable.
  • Track what helps you - responses vary from person to person.
  • Combine professional therapy with regular home practice.

Explore related Learn guides, build a routine in Practice, or practise with a calm game. This is a plain-language summary for general education, not medical advice.