Our Journey

In 2013, while reviewing the disability burden in the developing low & middle-income countries, the striking load of non-communicable diseases was identified by the research group in the Centre for Biomedical Engineering. Gradually through interdisciplinary discussions, a research plan was formulated and the second most common cause of mortality and fastest-growing cause of disability was identified as Stroke / Cerebrovascular Insult.

The research plan formulated was funded by the SERB, DST, Govt. of India and the work began on identifying the primary and most debilitating aspect of the stroke patients in the Department of Neurology, AIIMS. Multiple subjects were studied clinically through means of observation, clinical assessment & neuro-imaging correlates. In spite of the Amazonian advances in understanding the pathophysiology and pathogenesis of stroke, there is unfortunately a limited number of agents available in the armamentarium to fight stroke. Finally, Upper limb deficits were identified in 30-66% of patients post 6 months of stroke onset. Moreover, as well established the role of arm & hand in ADL, it seemed imperative to focus on rehabilitative strategies optimizing the functional recovery.

The Biomedical Engineering department took the lead and tried to address this problem by providing in-house built robotic technology for hand rehabilitation in the sub-acute & chronic stroke population. After going through several iterations, the prototype was formulated and the clinical trials began in the Department of Neurology, AIIMS. Furthermore, the neurophysiological parameters like Motor Evoked Potential (MEP), Electromyography (EMG) & neuro-imaging correlates like MRI T1W and fMRI were also incorporated for comprehensive study.