Objective: To investigate the efficacy of electromechanically-assisted rehabilitation of upper limb function in post-stroke patients.
Design: Randomized controlled trial.
Subjects: Forty-eight stroke patients.
Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups. The control group underwent occupational therapy training with conventional methods. The experimental group underwent electromechanically-assisted training using an end effector robot (Camillo®). Interventions were provided for 30 min per day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks. Primary outcome was change in Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) before and after training. Secondary outcomes were changes in hand function, upper limb strength, spasticity, mental status and quality of life.
Results: Mean improvement in FMA was 1.17 (standard deviation (SD) 4.18) in the control group and 2.52 (SD 5.48) in the experimental group. Although FMA in the experimental group improved significantly after training, the improvement in FMA did not differ significantly between groups. Among the secondary outcomes, the Motricity Index (MI) improved significantly after training in the experimental group, and the change in MI between groups was statistically significant.
Conclusion: Electromechanically-assisted rehabilitation using Camillo® was not more effective than conventional occupation therapy for upper arm function.
Keywords: hemiplegia; rehabilitation; robotics; stroke; upper limb.
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