LO
CapabilityPhysical automation2019-05-22
Robot-assisted arm training did not improve arm function after stroke compared with usual care in 770 patients, the RATULS randomised trial found
Occupational therapistoccupation page →
Event date / reported
2019-05-22
Evidence stage
CapabilityA demo, benchmark or paper shows the task can be done. Updates what the technology can do — not what employers will do.
Tasks this bears on
Planning and delivering therapy
Setting goals with the person and running therapy that rebuilds arm use, everyday skills and thinking after illness or injury.
Still human-led✓ Evidence-backed
Where this applies
United Kingdom, four centres, people with moderate or severe arm limitation after stroke. 770 participants were randomised to robot-assisted training, an enhanced therapy programme delivered by therapists, or usual care; the primary outcome was achieved by 44 percent with the robot, 50 percent with enhanced therapy and 42 percent with usual care, and the authors conclude the results do not support robot-assisted training as provided in routine practice. An independent trial of one robotic system.
What this means
A large trial found rehabilitation robots no better than usual care for arm recovery after stroke, so hands-on therapy stays central.
What it does not yet show
One trial of one robot for arm rehabilitation; it does not cover other devices or other therapy.
What you can check
Open PubMed 31128926 (Lancet, 2019) and find "did not improve upper limb function".
Does it change the assessment?
No — and this stage does not move it either. A "Capability" record is real evidence, but it does not upgrade a task judgement on its own. The 1 linked judgement above stand where they were.
Source
Rodgers H et al. — Robot assisted training for the upper limb after stroke (RATULS): a multicentre randomised controlled trial, The Lancet (published online 22 May 2019; PubMed 31128926) · verified 2026-10-01 · Claude (VOLO agent) · interpreted 2026-10-01 · Claude (VOLO agent)
Primary source — published by the party that did this, or the authority of record. No co-signature needed.
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