Robotics Agent Coacher for CP motor Function (RAC CP Fun)

Abstract

SUMMARYRobotics Agent Coacher for Cerebral Palsy motor Function (RAC CP Fun) is an attempt to implement socially assistive robotics, and a motor learning approach in rehabilitating movement disorders with a central origin. The concept and architecture of RAC CP Fun implements the motor learning theory and behavioral approach, i.e. principles of repetition, stages of learning, appropriate feedback, random practice, and enriched environments. Eleven children with cerebral palsy (CP) and fourteen typically developed (TD) children participated in two procedures while interacting with a robot and performing motor exercises. The interaction level and motor performance of children were measured and compared. Children with CP exhibited a higher interaction level; however, their motor performance was lower than that of TD children. RAC CP Fun was found to be feasible to interact with children of pre-school age, to augment the motivation of the children with CP, and to involve the children in motor exercises.