Robot-Assisted Reach Training With an Active Assistant Protocol for Long-Term Upper Extremity Impairment Poststroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Publication date: February 2019

Source: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Volume 100, Issue 2

Author(s): Ki Hun Cho, Won-Kyung Song

Abstract

Objective

To assess whether robot-assisted reach training (RART) with an active assistant protocol can improve upper extremity function and kinematic performance in chronic stroke survivors.

Design

This study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial.

Setting

National rehabilitation center.

Participants

Chronic stroke survivors (N=38) were randomized into 2 groups: a robot-assisted reach training with assist-as-needed (RT-AAN) group and a robot-assisted reach training with guidance force (RT-G) group.

Intervention

The RT-AAN group received robot-assisted reach training with an assist-as-needed mode for 40 minutes per day, 3 times per week over a 6-week period, and the RT-G group participated in the RART with a guidance mode for 40 minutes per day, 3 times per week over a 6-week period.

Main Outcome Measures

Upper extremity functions were measured with Fugl–Meyer Assessment (FMA), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), and Box and Block Test. In addition, movement velocities were measured as an index for upper extremity kinematic performances in 6 directions.

Results

Both groups showed significant improvements in FMA, ARAT, and kinematics (movement velocity) in all directions (targets 1-6, P<.05). However, the RT-AAN group showed significantly more improvement than the RT-G group in FMA and ARAT (P<.05).

Conclusions

RART with an active assistant protocol showed improvements of upper extremity function and kinematic performance in chronic stroke survivors. In particular, assist-as-needed robot control was effective for upper extremity rehabilitation. Therefore robot-assisted training may be suggested as an effective intervention to improve upper extremity function in chronic stroke survivors.

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