Multidisciplinary stroke rehabilitation delivered by a humanoid robot: Interaction between speech and physical therapies

Background: A great number of stroke patients pursue rehabilitation services in multiple domains (e.g., speech, physical, occupational). Although multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches to stroke rehabilitation are considered desirable, it is largely unknown how the intervention in one domain affects the progress in others. Aims: The current study investigated the interaction between speech therapy and physical therapy. Additionally, the feasibility of utilising a humanoid robot in stroke rehabilitation was described. Methods & Procedures: A 72-year-old male chronically challenged by aphasia and hemiparesis completed speech and physical therapy tasks in the sole condition (Speech Only, Physical Only) and in the sequential condition (Speech & Physical). The therapy activities were delivered by a humanoid robot. Outcomes & Results: Greater gains in speech and physical functions were obtained during the sole condition than in the sequential condition, suggesting a competitive interaction between s...