Affiliations: [a] Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, IL, USA | [b] Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, IL, USA | [c] Regional Cardiocerebrovascular Center, Institute of Wonkwang Medical Science, Wonkwang University, Design Hospital, Korea | [d] Xuanwu Hospital, Beijing, China | [e] School of Control Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Li-Qun Zhang, 345 East Superior Street, Suite 1406, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. Tel.: +1 312 238 4767; Fax: +1 312 238 2208; E-mail: l-zhang@northwestern.edu
Abstract: Objectives:To investigate the effects of controlled passive stretching and active movement training using a portable rehabilitation robot on stroke survivors with ankle and mobility impairment. Methods:Twenty-four patients at least 3 months post stroke were assigned to receive 6 week training using the portable robot in a research laboratory (robot group) or an instructed exercise program at home (control group). All patients underwent clinical and biomechanical evaluations in the laboratory at pre-evaluation, post-evaluation, and 6-week follow-up. Results:Subjects in the robot group improved significantly more than that in the control group in reduction in spasticity measured by modified Ashworth scale, mobility by Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement (STREAM), the balance by Berg balance score, dorsiflexion passive range of motion, dorsiflexion strength, and load bearing on the affected limb during gait after 6-week training. Both groups improved in the STREAM, dorsiflexion active range of motion and dorsiflexor strength after the training, which were retained in the follow-up evaluation. Conclusion:Robot-assisted passive stretching and active movement training is effective in improving motor function and mobility post stroke.
Keywords: Stretching, movement training, robotics, stroke, rehabilitation
