Exoskeleton-assisted upper limb rehabilitation after stroke: a randomized controlled trial.
Neurol Res
; : 1-9, 2024 Jul 26.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39056363
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES:
The upper-limb exoskeleton training program which is repetetive and task-specific therapy can improve motor functions in patients with stroke. To compare the effect of an upper-limb exoskeleton training program with Bobath concept on upper limb motor functions in individuals with chronic stroke.METHODS:
Participants were randomly assigned to exoskeleton group (EG, n = 12) or to Bobath group (BG, n = 12). Interventions were matched in terms of session duration and total number of sessions and performed 2 times per week for 6-weeks. Primary outcome was Fugl-Meyer-Upper Extremity (FMA-UE). Secondary outcomes were Modified Ashworth Scale (elbow and wrist flexor muscles), Motor Activity Log-30 which is consist of two parts as an amount of use (AOU) and quality of movement (QOM), and The Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living (NEADL) index.RESULTS:
After 12-sessions of training, the mean (SD) FMA-UE score increased by 5.7 (2.9) in the EG, and 1.9 (1.5) points in the BG (p < .05). In total, 40% of participants (5/12) demonstrated a clinically meaningful improvement (≥5.25 points) in the FM-UE, while none of the participants reached MCID score in the bobath group. Changes in the AOU, QOM, and NEADL were significantly larger in the EG compared to BG (p < .05). 7/12 (58.33%) of participants for AOU and 5/12 (42%) of participants for QOM in the EG showed that clinically meaningful change. 5/12 of participants (42%) in the EG demonstrated ≥4.9-point increase in NEADL score.DISCUSSION:
High-intensity repetitive arm and hand exercises with an exoskeleton device was safe and feasible. Exoskeleton-assisted training demonstrated significant benefits in improving upper limb functions and quality of life in individuals after stroke.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Language:
En
Journal:
Neurol Res
/
Neurol. res
/
Neurological research
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Turquía
Country of publication:
Reino Unido