Publication: Exoskeleton-assisted upper limb rehabilitation after stroke: a randomized controlled trial
Loading...
Files
Date
2024-01-01
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
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.
Description
Keywords
Tıp, Dahili Tıp Bilimleri, Nöroloji, Sağlık Bilimleri, Medicine, Internal Medicine Sciences, Neurology, Health Sciences, Klinik Tıp (MED), Klinik Tıp, KLİNİK NÖROLOJİ, Clinical Medicine (MED), CLINICAL MEDICINE, CLINICAL NEUROLOGY, Yaşam Bilimleri, Nöroloji (klinik), Life Sciences, Neurology (clinical), Bobath, exoskeleton, motor function, Stroke rehabilitation, upper extremity
Citation
AKGÜN İ., DEMİRBÜKEN İ., TİMURTAŞ E., Pehlivan M. K., Pehlivan A. U., POLAT M. G., Francisco G. E., Yozbatiran N., "Exoskeleton-assisted upper limb rehabilitation after stroke: a randomized controlled trial", Neurological Research, 2024