Robotic Assisted Upper Limb Training Post Stroke: A Randomized Control Trial Using Combinatory Approach Toward Reducing Workforce Demands

• DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.622014
• Publication Date: 2021-06-02T07:47:58Z
• Authors: Aamani Budhota; Karen S. G. Chua; Asif Hussain; Simone Kager; Adèle Cherpin; Sara Contu; Deshmukh Vishwanath; Christopher W. K....; Chwee Yin Ng; Lester H. L. Yam; Yong Joo Loh; Deshan Kumar Raje...; Liming Xiang; Etienne Burdet; Domenico Campolo
• Keywords: Stroke

Post stroke upper limb rehabilitation is a challenging problem with poor outcomes as 40% of survivors have functionally useless limbs. Robot-aided therapy (RAT) potential method to alleviate the effort intensive, task-specific, repetitive exercises for both patients and therapists. The present study aims investigate how time matched combinatory training scheme that incorporates conventional RAT, using H-Man, compares toward reducing workforce demands. In randomized control trial (NCT02188628, www.clinicaltrials.gov ), 44 subacute chronic first-ever clinical predominant arm motor function deficits were recruited into two groups 22 subjects: Robotic Therapy (RT) Conventional (CT). Both received 18 sessions 90 min; three per week over 6 weeks. each session, participants CT group min 1:1 therapist-supervised while RT underwent which consisted 60 minimally-supervised H-Man followed by 30 therapy. [Fugl-Meyer (FMA), Action Research Arm Test and, Grip Strength] quantitative measures (smoothness, efficiency, task error, derived from robotic assessment tasks) independently evaluated prior intervention (week 0), at mid-training 3), end 6), post 12 24). Significant differences within observed all scales compared baseline [mean standard deviation FMA score changes between 6; RT: Δ4.41 (3.46) CT: Δ3.0 (4.0); p < 0.01]. gains retained weeks post-training [week 24; Δ5.38 (4.67) 24 Δ4.50 (5.35); scores improved similarly when no significant inter-group points although was reduced one third in group. There training-related adverse side effects. conclusion, incorporating RAT produced similar alone. Hence, this supports approach improve post-stroke paresis. Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov , identifier: NCT02188628.