Innovation, Adaptation, and Human Dignity in Assistive Robotics in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Rehabilitation Medicine Perspective

Author(s): Rafaelle B Azarraga, Mark C Jackson, Marcel P Fraix, Devendra K Agrawal

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive motor neuron disease that heavily impacts a person’s ability to perform activities of daily living, affecting mobility, function, and communication drastically. These complications present a daunting obstacle for familial support systems and physicians to manage. Although survival prognosis in ALS patients has moderately improved with the advent of ALS specialty clinics, this illness persists as a grim diagnosis with no current cure or hope for recovery, simply an inescapable decline. However, assistive robotics provides a promising opportunity in empowering patients to retain control of their lives. This comprehensive review explores the current developments in assistive robotics for ALS patients across various aspects of daily living. Our review accentuates how robotics can make a significant impact on quality of life, preserving physical capabilities and patient agency. Potential barriers have also been identified, such as cost, accessibility and ethical considerations. However, there is limited information with case-controlled studies and robust research addressing ALS from this scope. Within the lens of rehabilitation, these technologies present the opportunity to preserve autonomy, the ability to still care for oneself, to perform the “everyday” tasks, the things that make life still meaningful. This critical review highlights the humanistic potential that the future of this emerging field holds; to innovate and bridge the technical with the personal; and to approach decline with empathy, adaptability and respect.