Effects of robot-assisted training on upper limb functional recovery during the rehabilitation of poststroke patients.

BACKGROUND

The study aims to determine the effectiveness of robot-assisted training in the recovery of stroke-affected arms using an exoskeleton robot Armeo Spring.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the effect of robot training on functional recovery of the arm.

METHODS

A total of 34 stroke patients were divided into either an experimental group (EG; n= 17) or a control group (n= 17). EG was also trained to use the Armeo Spring during occupational therapy. Both groups were clinically assessed before and after treatment. Statistical comparison methods (i.e. one-tailed t-tests for differences between two independent means and the simplest test) were conducted to compare motor recovery using robot-assisted training or conventional therapy.

RESULTS

Patients assigned to the EG showed a statistically significant improvement in upper extremity motor function when compared to the CG by FIM (P< 0.05) and ACER (P< 0.05). The calculated treatment effect in the EG and CG was meaningful for shoulder and elbow kinematic parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings show the benefits of robot therapy in two areas of functional recovery. Task-oriented robotic training in rehabilitation setting facilitates recovery not only of the motor function of the paretic arm but also of the cognitive abilities in stroke patients.