Effects of Robot-Assisted Rehabilitation on Upper Extremity Functions in Chronic Stroke

Overview

The most common problem caused by stroke is motor activity limitation that reduces muscle movement and mobility. But stroke can also lead to sensory and cognitive impairment. Additionally, the ability to independently carry out activities of daily living and participate in social and community life is greatly reduced. Up to 85% of stroke patients experience hemiparesis immediately after stroke, while 55% to 75% of survivors continue to experience reduced quality of life with motor impairments. It requires long-term physical rehabilitation to achieve functional recovery in the upper extremity, maximum independence and the highest possible quality of life. Different methods can be used to achieve these results, but there is no clear evidence yet as to which treatment method gives the best results. Scientific evidence shows that a multifactorial approach and high-intensity treatment accelerates the motor recovery of the upper extremities in stroke rehabilitation. Passive and active upper extremity movements appear to increase motor recovery due to their effects on somatosensory input, motor planning, soft tissue properties and spasticity. In recent years, robotic devices have emerged that have been proven to improve the motor performance of the upper extremity in chronic stroke patients. There are also studies showing that robotic device-assisted upper extremity therapy can contribute to the development of sensorimotor skills in plegic patients. However, in the current literature, there is still a need for randomized controlled studies in this field. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of robot-assisted therapy on upper extremity functions and daily living activities in the rehabilitation of chronic stroke patients. After the demographic data of the cases in both groups are obtained, evaluations will be made before the study. Then, the study group will receive conventional physiotherapy in a single session of 45 minutes a day, 3 days a week for 4 weeks, and in addition robot-assisted therapy with the ReoGo Upper Extremity Exoskeleton Robot in a single session of 60 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. The control group will receive only conventional physiotherapy in a single session of 45 minutes a day, 3 days a week for 4 weeks. The initial evaluations will be repeated after the end of the treatment period.