Effects of robot-assisted upper limb rehabilitation on daily function and real-world arm activity in patients with chronic stroke: a randomized controlled trial
Patients following a stroke often have weakness on one side of the upper body which can make daily life more difficult. This study outlines how robot-assisted therapy helps arm function to improve after a stroke. It is the first to use accelerometers to track patients’ improvement and compare real world results. 20 patients enrolled in a study comparing robot-assisted therapy combined with functional training against an active control treatment group. Stroke patients usually have difficulties transferring motor skills learned in therapy to their daily living environment because of cognitive deficits. Robotic rehabilitation is increasingly available, and holds promise for enhancing traditional post-stroke interventions. Because robots never tire, they can provide massive and intensive training in a consistent manner without fatigue, with programming precisely tailored to each patient’s needs.
