Abstract
Objective:To evaluate the effects of reach training with Arm Rehabilitation Robot on functions and daily use of hemiplegic upper limbs. The robot utilized computer controlled Motor-load-relieving and facilitation functions using electrical/vibratory stimulation (AR2 robot). Subjects:The sample consisted of 15 stroke patients (age:61±12 years, time after onset:76±22 days, Brunnstrom Recovery Stage:upper limb Ⅲ to Ⅴ, hand Ⅲ to Ⅵ, affected side:right 8/left 7, left handed 1). They were selected from stroke patients who were admitted to our rehabilitation center between 2016 and 2018. Method:A crossover design (A1-B-A2:A, reach training with AR2 robot for 15 min, B, reach training with sanding block for 15 min) across individuals was used. Basic rehabilitation included the repetitive facilitative exercise (RFE) for hemiplegia and task-specific training with Transfer package. Fugl-Mayer Assessment (FMA) for upper limb and hand, Motor Activity Log (MAL), Amount of Use (AOU), and Quality of Movement (QOM) were evaluated at 2-week intervals. Results:Except for the second AR2 robot reach, significant improvements in FMA of upper limb and hand were seen after the first AR2 robot reach and SB reach, and some improvements of MAL (AOU and QOM) were seen in the second AR2 reach. Regarding MAL (AOU and QOM), improvements were associated with AR2 reach, and deteriorations were associated with sanding block reach in patients with failure of the dominant hand. Conclusions:AR2 robot reach might be effective to improve everyday use of hemiplegic upper limbs.
