Orthotic and Robotic Substitution Devices for Central Nervous System Rehabilitation and Beyond

Abstract

During the last decade, the scientific community has enormously advanced in the development of innovative wearable devices, orthoses, and robotic exoskeletons that are revolutionizing rehabilitation in patients who suffer any kind of neurological, neuromuscular, or orthopedical disorder. In this context, different materials and manufacturing design processes are being under investigation with the aim of enhancing the recovery outcomes and the level of functional independence of the patients. In this chapter, current progress in materials applied to the development of orthotics, robotics, and other wearable devices is reviewed, as well as their manufacturing design processes, with a major attention in the rehabilitation of central nervous system disorders. Specifically, orthoses and exoskeleton devices will be classified according to their manufacturing materials. We will later discuss how material and manufacturing choices affect the features of the resulting devices, indicating both associated advantages and disadvantages, and then condition their clinical applicability along the rehabilitation process and patient recovery. Final considerations and future research directions will be proposed in an attempt to improve the usability of these devices, both during the clinical practice and, even more importantly, in the patients’ daily life.