The Effects of Combination of Robot‐Assisted Therapy With Task‐Specific or Impairment‐Oriented Training on Motor Function and Quality of Life in Chronic Stroke

• DOI: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2016.01.008
• Publication Date: 2016-01-22T04:00:39Z
• Authors: Chung‐shan Hung; Yu‐wei Hsieh; Ching‐yi Wu; Yi‐ting Lin; Keh‐chung Lin; Chia‐ling Chen
• Keywords: Stroke; Repeated measures design

Abstract Background Robot‐assisted therapy (RT) is a promising intervention for stroke rehabilitation. RT hybridized with therapist‐mediated (eg, plus task‐specific or impairment‐oriented training) may possibly yield functionally relevant improvements. A comparative study of the different combination regimens needed. Objective To investigate efficacy combined training on motor function and quality life in patients chronic stroke. Design single‐blind, randomized study. Setting Two medical centers Taiwan. Participants Twenty‐one subjects Interventions were recruited into 1 2 groups: (1) (RTT) (enrolled, n = 11; completed, 11) (2) (RTI) 10; 9). received 20 sessions (90‐100 min/d, 5 d/wk 4 weeks). Outcomes The Fugl‐Meyer Motor Assessment Upper Extremity subscale, Stroke Impact Scale, Action Research Arm Test, Medical Council Scale administered at baseline, posttreatment, 3‐month follow‐up. Two‐way repeated‐measures analysis variance was used to treatment effects. Results improvements RTT group measured by subscale assessed significantly superior RTI after interventions. maintained 3 months. Both groups demonstrated significant within‐group function, muscle power, life. Conclusions be more compelling approach enhance long‐term period than RTI. had similar benefits upper limb strength immediately