Impact of smart force feedback rehabilitation robot training on upper limb motor function in the subacute stage of stroke

Abstract

Objective: To explore the impact of rehabilitation robot training (RRT) on upper limb motor function and daily activity ability in patients with stroke.

Methods: Forty patients meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into the treatment group (TRE) and the control group (CON). Group TRE was trained with an upper limb rehabilitation robot and group CON was trained with traditional occupational therapy. The training time was six weeks, and the upper limb function and daily activities were then assessed.

Results: (1) There was no statistical significance in the Fugl-Meyer (FM) score, Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) score, and Modified Barthel Index (MBI) score between the two groups before treatment (P > 0.05). (2) After treatment, the FM score, WMFT score, and MBI score were significantly higher than before treatment (P < 0.01). (3) There was no significant significance between the two groups after treatment (P > 0.05).

Conclusions: Both RRT and traditional occupational therapy training are useful for the recovery of upper limb motor function and daily life ability in the sub-acute stage of stroke.

Keywords: Rehabilitation; robotics; stroke; upper limb motor function.