Exoskeleton-assisted Upper Limb Rehabilitation After Stroke

Marmara University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Stroke; Upper Extremity Dysfunction

Treatments: Device: Exoskeleton robot for upper extremity; Other: Conventional physiotherapy

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT04353622

09.2019.146

Details and patient eligibility

About

In recent studies, it has been observed that robotic devices make a positive contribution to motor recovery and the activities of daily living. However, studies about the effects of stroke rehabilitation with robotic devices are limited.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of upper extremity robotic rehabilitation on motor function and quality of life in stroke patients.

Full description

Stroke survivors have difficulties in participating in activities of daily living due to functional disabilities. The majority of patients after stroke need rehabilitation to gain independence in daily life as the first target. Therefore, different treatment approaches are used in stroke rehabilitation.

The use of technology in stroke rehabilitation has become very common in recent years. Robotic devices used in rehabilitation enhance the healing process by giving patients more intensive and task-oriented exercises. A lot of systematic and meta-analysis studies have shown that robot-assisted devices provide positive motor recoveries, especially in the treatment of upper extremities. However, the optimal timing, duration, and dose of robotic rehabilitation that should be applied after stroke remain uncertain.

In the light of this information, this study examines the effects of the robotic device produced for upper limb rehabilitation on daily life activities and motor function.

Enrollment: 24 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 40 to 85 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Having ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke history
• Being at the age between 40 and 85
• MAS (Modified Ashworth Scale) < 3 for upper extremity
• At least 6 months after stroke
• Participants who agree to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

• Cardiovascular weakness (severe hypertension, coronary artery disease)
• Mini-Mental State Examination score < 24
• Recurrent stroke
• Having other orthopedic and neurologic conditions that may affect upper extremity movement
• Having behavioral and cognitive problems

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Triple Blind

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24 participants in 2 patient groups

Robot-assisted Treatment

Active Comparator group

Description:

Rehabilitation protocol was applied with robotic device (HOUSTONBIONİCS ExoRehab UE1).

Treatment:

Device: Exoskeleton robot for upper extremity

Conventional Physiotherapy

Active Comparator group

Description:

Conventional physiotherapy program included neurophysiological approaches.

Treatment:

Other: Conventional physiotherapy