Video: Robots helping patients with physical therapy

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Robots are making their way into the medical system from surgery to dispensing medicine. Now, they're helping local vets who've had a stroke regain use of their arms and hands.

Don Schmidt could be playing a video game. He's not - a robot is helping him regain arm strength after a stroke.

"We can take some of the same motions that a therapist might use in a treatment session and deliver them using a robot," said Dr. Jodie Haselkorn, VA Puget Sound Health Care.

Therapist Randee Frost doesn't think robots will replace her, but admits they're smart.

"The robot is always sensing how much effort I'm putting into it, how much movement I'm putting into it and then the robot will complete the task," said Frost.

The goal is to move the yellow ball from the center to whichever spoke lights up and then back to center again. Schmidt found it tough-going at first, even with the robot helping.

"One time I think the machine was actually smoking because it couldn't push my hand. That's how much resistance there was in it," said Schmidt.

Not quite smoking, but it does show you have far he's come. Repetition is key. The advantage is that the robot doesn't get tired and does each task exactly the same way every time.

"So it's perfect practice and it moves the person just beyond what they can do to complete a task perfectly," said Haselkorn.

Seven years ago, a stroke changed Schmidt's life.

"Brought it to a complete halt, pretty much," said Schmidt.

Today the robot has helped him regain some of his lost function.

"Every time it just got better and better," said Schmidt.

The VA Puget Sound healthcare system is conducting a study to compare robot-assisted therapy with conventional rehabilitation. The number to call is 206-277-3460. To be eligible, you must be a veteran with moderate to severe arm or hand weakness resulting from a stroke.