ROBOTIC HAND TRAINING IN PATIENTS WITH STROKE: A PILOT STUDY FROM INDIA

Abstract

Background: Impaired hand function is the most disabling motor deficit in stroke patients.

Purpose of the study: To evaluate efficacy of robot-assisted training in hand function recovery of stroke patients.

Study Design: Prospective, interventional study of 8 participants.

Methods: Eight stroke patients underwent 3 week training program and received 15 sessions (30 minutes each) of robotic hand training using Amadeo robotic system (Tyromotion GmbH Graz, Austria). The training was as follows: passive modality (10 minutes), passive-plus modality (10 minutes), and assisted therapy (10 minutes). The impairment evaluation was done using upper extremity Fugl-Meyer scale (UEFM) and muscle strength for affected upper limb was assessed with Medical research council (MRC) scale, at the beginning (T1) and at the end of treatment (T2). The hand flexion and extension strength performed by robot were assessed at T1 and T2.

Results: Eight (male) patients with mean age 43.1 years (20-60years), mean duration of symptoms 19 months (6-36 months), 7 ischemic and 1 hemorrhagic stroke, lesion side left hemisphere in 6 and right in 2 cases, were recruited. There was statistically significant improvements for UEFM Motor domain (P = 0.01), Amadeo force assessment in flexion (P = 0.01) and extension (P = 0.02), MRC shoulder (P =0.02), finger flexion (P = 0.006),extension (P = 0.02), abduction(P = 0.02), adduction (P = 0.02).

Conclusions: Robot hand training is a safe and feasible treatment option for hand motor recovery in chronic stroke patients.

Keywords: Stroke, Amadeo robotic system, hand function recovery