EFFECT OF ROBOT-ASSISTED THERAPY ON UPPER EXTREMITY FUNCTION IN CHRONIC STROKE PATIENTS

Research Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: the aim of this study was to determine the effect of advanced robotic-assisted therapy on upper extremity function in early and late chronic stroke patients. Methods: Forty five chronic male stroke patients participated in this study. The patients were divided into three equal groups (A, B and C) according to duration of illness. Group A with duration of illness from six months till two years, Group B with duration of illness more than two years and Group C with duration of illness at least six month with no upper limit of duration. Both group (A&B) received the same designed physical therapy program for upper extremity in addition to robotic assisted therapy and group C received designed physical therapy program only .The Amadeo robotic system (Tyromotion GmbH Graz, Austria) was used to provide the treatment. Each patient was assessed before and after four weeks of intervention protocol by Fugl-Meyer upper extremity Scale (FMUE) test to evaluate sensorimotor function of upper limb and by Amadeo robotic hand system to assess grip strength and fingers range of motion. Results: There was statistically significant post-treatment improvement in upper limb functions in all groups. The percentage of improvement was higher in group A compared to other groups. Conclusion: Adding robotic assisted therapy to the designed physical therapy program for upper extremity rehabilitation in chronic stroke patients improves grip strength and upper limb motor recovery especially when conducted early to chronic stage. Keywords: Amadeo robotic system, robotic assisted therapy, stroke; hand function, stroke rehabilitation.

Research Keywords

robotic therapy - stroke