Northwell Health - Feinstein Institute for Medical Research

Integrated ROBOTIC THERAPY Like most patients who suffer from strokes, there was no warning that Kathleen Taravella would experience a blockage of blood to her brain. She went to bed, only to wake hours later with a feeling that something was not right. Kathleen roused her husband, Santo, who helped her reach the care she needed to survive and begin the process of recovering from her incident. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, typically by a blockage in a blood vessel. Depending on the portion of the brain affected by the stroke and the extent of the damage, patients may experience a variety of post-incident side effects, including muscle weakness, cognitive difficulties and vision and language problems. Road to Recovery "My child was very young at the time of the stroke, so I was worried that, with my limitations, I would not be capable of being a good mother," Kathleen said. "I was given the opportunity to participate in a clinical study using robotics, and I went for it. Whatever I could do to be the mother I envisioned, I was going to do." Kathleen began rehabilitation with Bruce T. Volpe, MD, a professor with the Center of Biomedical Science at the Feinstein Institute, and his team. Using technology developed in collaboration with investigators from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Dr. Volpe mapped out a treatment plan that included the use of a series of robotic devices. Active assist devices are robots designed specifically to help patients similar to Kathleen with limited mobility in their arms, hands and legs. During a typical therapy session, patients' arms are connected to a robotic arm with a joystick-like handle. In front of the patient, a monitor displays a target. Patients must move their limbs to match up with different points around the target. These points move, and the patient must speed up to reach the target and make movements with more precision. Under the watchful eye of support staff, patients complete the series of movements to the best of their abilities. When they are not successful, the robot steps in, putting their limbs through the completed motion. Kathleen began rehabilitation with Bruce T. Volpe, MD, a professor with the Center of Biomedical Science at Kathleen began rehabilitation with Bruce T. Volpe, MD, a professor with the Center of Biomedical Science at Kathleen began rehabilitation with Bruce T. Volpe, MD, a professor with the Center of Biomedical Science at Kathleen began rehabilitation with Bruce T. Volpe, MD, a professor with the Center of Biomedical Science at Kathleen began rehabilitation with Bruce T. Volpe, MD, a professor with the Center of Biomedical Science at a professor with the Center of Biomedical Science at Kathleen began rehabilitation with Bruce T. Volpe, MD, a professor with the Center of Biomedical Science at a professor with the Center of Biomedical Science at a professor with the Center of Biomedical Science at the Feinstein Institute, and his team. Using technology the Feinstein Institute, and his team. Using technology a professor with the Center of Biomedical Science at a professor with the Center of Biomedical Science at the Feinstein Institute, and his team. Using technology a professor with the Center of Biomedical Science at a professor with the Center of Biomedical Science at a professor with the Center of Biomedical Science at the Feinstein Institute, and his team. Using technology the Feinstein Institute, and his team. Using technology the Feinstein Institute, and his team. Using technology the Feinstein Institute, and his team. Using technology the Feinstein Institute, and his team. Using technology a professor with the Center of Biomedical Science at Kathleen began rehabilitation with Bruce T. Volpe, MD, a professor with the Center of Biomedical Science at Robotic rehabilitation and stimulation therapy allow a new mother to be the mother she envisioned. Helps Stroke Patients Regain Momentum, Their Lives be the mother I envisioned, I was going to do." 4 / Spring 2017 Patient Success

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