Robots are helping stroke patients to regain the use of their arms. The machines work by supporting a patient’s arm and letting them move it between targets on a computer screen, to build up their strength and improve their coordination.

The stroke patient sits at a table facing a computer screen and places their arm on to the robotic device. A therapist then asks the patient to undertake some arm exercises. If the person is unable to move their arm, then the robot moves the patient’s limb for them. If the patient starts to move, the robot provides assistance, in turn helping the brain and arm to learn to work together again.

Helen Rodgers, professor of stroke care at the institute for aging and health at Newcastle University, leading the research, said: “Announcing the start of this clinical trial is a really exciting step forward for stroke recovery research in the UK. We have been looking at the research undertaken in the USA and we are working closely with colleagues at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to see if robot assisted training is an effective treatment.”

Dr. Hermano Igo Krebs, principal research scientist and lecturer at MIT, said: “Our focus is on helping doctors to make an easier recovery for their patients by using intensive and highly interactive robotic therapy. By using robotics, not only do we get a greater understanding of the neuro recovery process, but we can also build a rich stream of data that assists in ongoing patient diagnosis.”

Stroke sufferer Tom Means, 61, from Walkerville, Newcastle, is one of the patients already taking part in the robot clinical trial. He had a stroke in March this year and spent around two months in hospital. The self-employed electrician was unable to use his right arm or walk, but has gradually regained movement. He said, “I’ve only had a few sessions so far, however I’ve really felt the difference in my arm as I’ve got a lot more movement and much more strength.”

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1.What is the function of the robot in the stroke patients’ recovery?

A It helps a stroke patient regain his arms.

B It helps a stroke patient’s brain and arms work together.

C It helps a stroke patient do exercise in front of a screen.

D It helps a stroke patient to become more energetic.

解析：选B。细节理解题。根据文章第一段末句…improve their coordination，可知中风病人康复过程中机器人的作用是帮助他们提高大脑和胳膊的协调作用。

2.What is implied in the passage?

A The stroke recovery research was first started in the USA.

B The clinical trial of robotic therapy made history in the UK.

C Stroke patients are unable to use their eyes or arms.

D Stroke patients can get recovered easily with a computer.

解析：选B。推理判断题。根据文章第三段…a really exciting step forward for stroke recovery research in the UK可以推断，这种康复疗法在英国具有里程碑的意义。

3.What will the scientists learn from the robotic therapy?

A They will understand the neuro recovery process better.

B They will understand how the doctors help the patients recover.

C They will learn about the patients’ information.

D They will know if there will be potential stroke patients.

解析：选A。细节理解题。根据文章第四段…not only do we get a greater understanding of the neuro recovery process, but we can also…可知，通过机器人协助疗法，科学家们将对神经系统的康复过程有进一步的了解。

4.What was Mr. Means’ situation before taking part in the robot clinical trial?

A He had stayed in the hospital for about two month.

B He had got treated with the robotic therapy.

C He worked as an electrician in the community.

D He couldn’t use his right arm or move about.

解析：选D。细节理解题。根据文章最后一段The self-employed electrician was unable to use his right arm or walk可知，患中风之后，Tom Means 右臂不能用，也不能走路。

5.Why does the author include the case of Tom Means in the last paragraph?

A He wants to tell the readers about the Mr. Means’ identity.

B He attempts to further introduce the stroke recovery research.

C He intends to prove that the robotic therapy is very effective.

D He tries to say the robotic therapy is still in clinical trial.

解析：选C。推理判断题。本文介绍的是机器人协助中风病人康复的一种治疗方法，最后一段介绍Tom Means的个例是证实这种疗法的有效性的。故选C。