Novel robotic rehabilitation in Bangladesh: A narrative review

Robotic rehabilitation has emerged as a transformative innovation in physical medicine, enabling high-intensity, task-specific, and measurable therapy that enhances neuroplasticity and functional recovery. This review summarises global evidence on robotic rehabilitation and examines its relevance and implementation challenges in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with a particular focus on the pioneering experience of the Bangladesh Medical University. Methods: This narrative review synthesised literature from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar published between January 2010 and September 2025. Included sources comprised reviews, meta-analyses, randomised controlled trials, observational studies, and policy documents addressing effectiveness, implementation, workforce, and health-system integration of robotic rehabilitation in LMICs. Evidence was thematically synthesised, prioritising higher-level studies, without formal PRISMA procedures or structured risk-of-bias assessment, consistent with accepted narrative review methodology. Results: Global evidence supports robotic rehabilitation, with strongest benefits in stroke, moderate evidence in spinal cord injury, and emerging data in traumatic brain injury, neurodegenerative, paediatric, and musculoskeletal conditions. Effectiveness improves when robotics complement conventional therapy. In LMICs, adoption is hindered by financial, infrastructural, and workforce limitations. Bangladesh faces high disability burden and service gaps; the BMU Robotic Rehabilitation Centre represents a significant advancement in equitable, technology-driven rehabilitation. Conclusion: Robotic rehabilitation offers measurable improvements in function and independence across diverse conditions. Strengthening infrastructure, workforce capacity, and policy support is essential for sustainable adoption in LMICs. The Bangladesh Medical University model demonstrates a feasible pathway for integrating advanced rehabilitation technologies in resource-constrained settings.