Sümeyye AKÇAY, Duygu AKTAR REYHANİOĞLU
Kocaeli Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi - 2026;12(3):329-334
Objective: Robotic rehabilitation has become an increasingly important research area in neurorehabilitation due to its potential to provide intensive, repetitive, and task-oriented interventions. This study aimed to examine graduate theses completed in the field of robotic rehabilitation in Türkiye in terms of demographic and methodological characteristics. Methods: This retrospective, descriptive study with methodological analysis was conducted using data obtained from the National Thesis Center database of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK). The database was systematically searched on April 23, 2026, using keywords related to robotic rehabilitation. After removing duplicate records and applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 52 theses were included in the analysis. The theses were evaluated according to publication year, university, department, thesis type, advisor title, and patient group. In addition, methodological characteristics-including study design, sample size, presence of a control group, robotic system type, targeted extremity, intervention and follow-up duration, and outcome measures-were also examined. Descriptive statistics were calculated as frequencies and percentages. Results: A total of 398 thesis records were initially identified, and 106 unique theses remained after duplicate removal. Of these, 52 theses met the eligibility criteria. The highest number of theses was completed in 2023. Most theses were conducted at the University of Health Sciences and İstanbul Medipol University. The majority were carried out in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation departments. Master's theses constituted the largest proportion. Stroke was the most frequently examined patient group. Conclusion: Robotic rehabilitation is a developing and increasingly studied field in Türkiye. Randomized controlled designs already constitute the majority of the included theses, but doctoral-level studies, consistent use of control groups, longer-term follow-up, and research involving diverse patient groups remain limited. Future studies should address these gaps and focus on broader patient-centered outcomes.
