First Nationwide “Visiting Robot Rehabilitation Service” Launched in February 2023
Joint Analysis with Samyook Seoul Hospital Proves Improvement in Physical Function and Reduction in Caregiver Burden
Dongdaemun-gu (Mayor Lee Pil-hyung) announced on the 25th that it has completed a joint study with Samyook Seoul Hospital analyzing the effects of a home-based robot rehabilitation program aimed at improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
The study was conducted over approximately two years, from April 2023 to January 2025, targeting individuals with mobility impairments. Robot rehabilitation devices were rented to participants' homes to support autonomous rehabilitation exercises, and the resulting functional improvement effects were analyzed. The purpose of the study was to establish a practical rehabilitation model that people with disabilities can consistently practice in their daily lives.
The research involved 30 local participants with brain lesions and physical disabilities. Participants performed rehabilitation exercises three times a week for eight weeks at their homes. Physical and occupational therapists from the public health center, along with medical staff from Samyook Seoul Hospital, monitored progress remotely and conducted regular visits to provide continuous expert feedback.
The robot rehabilitation devices used can be applied to four joints: elbow, wrist, knee, and ankle, and feature ▲ passive joint movement ▲ and muscle strengthening functions. Notably, the assistive and resistance levels can be adjusted from levels 1 to 10, allowing for personalized muscle strengthening exercises tailored to each individual.
The study results showed statistically significant improvements in upper limb function among patients with chronic disabilities and a reduction in caregiver burden. The robot rehabilitation program positively impacted not only the individuals with disabilities but also their family members. In particular, it was found to contribute to the mental health of caregivers.
This research is evaluated as having important social significance in terms of reducing caregiving burdens.
Lee Pil-hyung, Mayor of Dongdaemun-gu, stated, “The robot rehabilitation program is very meaningful in that it also positively affected the quality of life for families,” adding, “We will continue to do our best to collaborate with local medical institutions so that people with disabilities and their families can enjoy better lives.”
Earlier, in February 2023, the district launched the nation’s first “Visiting Robot Rehabilitation Service,” delivering robot rehabilitation devices directly to homes for operation. This study is also the first domestic case to academically verify the effectiveness and sustainability of this service.
The study results were published in a journal issued by MDPI (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute), an international open-access academic publisher. The journal is indexed in SCIE (Science Citation Index Expanded), a globally recognized citation index in the field of science and technology, thereby internationally acknowledging the academic value of this research.
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