Robotic Rehabilitation Devices in the Philippines: A Review of Recent Advancements

Czaryn Diane Ompico; Juliah Faye Dela Vega; Tonica Garcia; Christien Matthew Ramos; Enrique Mariano Perez; John Carlo Reyes; Julius Noel Banayo; Armyn Sy; Nicanor Jr. Roxas; Francisco Emmanuel Jr. III Munsayac; Nilo Bugtai

doi:10.32871/rmrj25si.t2406

Authors

Czaryn Diane Ompico Evelyn D. Ang Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Technologies, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4263-477X
Juliah Faye Dela Vega Evelyn D. Ang Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Technologies, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines https://orcid.org/0009-0004-1645-0732
Tonica Garcia Evelyn D. Ang Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Technologies, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3236-7514
Christien Matthew Ramos Evelyn D. Ang Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Technologies, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9845-2096
Enrique Mariano Perez Evelyn D. Ang Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Technologies, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8885-5076
John Carlo Reyes Evelyn D. Ang Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Technologies, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3272-1887
Julius Noel Banayo Evelyn D. Ang Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Technologies, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8633-7340
Armyn Sy Evelyn D. Ang Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Technologies, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4838-2735
Nicanor Jr. Roxas Evelyn D. Ang Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Technologies, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2062-067X
Francisco Emmanuel Jr. III Munsayac Evelyn D. Ang Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Technologies, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5156-2041
Nilo Bugtai Evelyn D. Ang Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Technologies, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4850-9415

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32871/rmrj25si.t2406

Keywords:

rehabilitation robots, Philippines, advancements, prototypes, adaptation

Abstract

Background: Rehabilitation robots are emerging technologies that address common challenges in conventional rehabilitation methods, such as labor-intensive, costly, and often yielding slow or suboptimal recovery outcomes. These robots have been gaining popularity in the Philippines due to their cost-effectiveness and improved therapeutic efficiency. The country has gradually begun adapting technology, with rehabilitation robots introduced as assistive devices for clinical practice such as electromyogram (EMG)-assisted devices, Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), Robotic Exoskeleton Hand, and Robot Exoskeleton for the Upper Limb. However, there is limited to no existing literature exploring robotic rehabilitation device advancements in the Philippines.
Methods: Thus, this review examined the prototypes developed and the progress made in developing rehabilitation devices from 2010 to the present in the country.
Results: Findings indicate that the Philippines is becoming more receptive to rehabilitation robotics, as evidenced by increasing recognition of its relevance and the procurement of foreign-developed technologies. Nevertheless, its progress is limited by investment, insufficient academic programs, and the absence of regulatory frameworks.
Conclusion: Increased government support for research, infrastructure, and protocols alongside university integration of relevant courses and interdisciplinary research are needed to foster its advancement.

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Robotic Rehabilitation Devices in the Philippines: A Review of Recent Advancements

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