Affiliations: [a] Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Vilnius, Lithuania | [b] Department of Rehabilitation, Physical and Sports Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Julius Griškevičius, Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, J. Basanavičius str. 28, MR-II 2-109, 03224 Vilnius, Lithuania. Tel.: +370 68737782; E-mail: julius.griskevicius@vgtu.lt.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The study aims to determine the effectiveness of robot-assisted training in the recovery of stroke-affected arms using an exoskeleton robot Armeo Spring. OBJECTIVE: To identify the effect of robot training on functional recovery of the arm. METHODS: A total of 34 stroke patients were divided into either an experimental group (EG; n= 17) or a control group (n= 17). EG was also trained to use the Armeo Spring during occupational therapy. Both groups were clinically assessed before and after treatment. Statistical comparison methods (i.e. one-tailed t-tests for differences between two independent means and the simplest test) were conducted to compare motor recovery using robot-assisted training or conventional therapy. RESULTS: Patients assigned to the EG showed a statistically significant improvement in upper extremity motor function when compared to the CG by FIM (P< 0.05) and ACER (P< 0.05). The calculated treatment effect in the EG and CG was meaningful for shoulder and elbow kinematic parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The findings show the benefits of robot therapy in two areas of functional recovery. Task-oriented robotic training in rehabilitation setting facilitates recovery not only of the motor function of the paretic arm but also of the cognitive abilities in stroke patients.
