Abstract

A man in his 50s with an incomplete cervical spinal cord injury underwent a 3-week occupational therapy programme using a computer-assisted robotic device for the upper limbs (Diego) in an acute care spinal injury unit. The patient and their partner reported their experience. Range of motion (ROM), muscle strength, pain, fatigue, independence and occupational performance are reported. Improvements occurred in upper limb ROM (shoulder and elbow), muscle strength (right elbow extensors), fatigue and functional status. Whether the results in this patient with the Diego were the same or better than standard care could not be determined. Preliminary findings suggest that the Diego was feasible for rehabilitation in an acute setting in our patient. However, it may not be suitable for all patients and a large comparative study with other therapies is needed. A limitation in the use of the Diego relates to the initial cost of the device ($A150 000).