A haptic robot reveals the adaptation capability of individuals with multiple sclerosis

A prerequisite for rehabilitation is that patients preserve their ability to adapt to novel dynamic environments, an ability that has been associated with the cerebellar system. In this study, we use a robot manipulandum to assess the ability of multiple sclerosis (MS) subjects in the early phase of the disease to adapt to a speed-dependent force field. Their performance is compared with an equal number of age-matched controls. We found that MS subjects display subtle incoordination problems but do not significantly differ from controls in their ability to adapt to the force field. These findings are discussed in terms of the possible benefits that MS subjects might receive from robot-assisted therapy that is specifically aimed at impaired visuomotor coordination.