Effects of Armeo Power Robot Therapy on Upper Limb Recovery in Hemiplegic Stroke Patients

Hanoi Medical University84 enrolled

Overview

This study investigates the effectiveness of combining Armeo Power robotic therapy with conventional rehabilitation techniques to improve upper limb motor function in patients with hemiplegia caused by supratentorial cerebral infarction (a type of stroke). The study aims to evaluate how robotic-assisted therapy can enhance recovery by measuring motor function improvements over three weeks of treatment. Participants will undergo standard physical and occupational therapy alongside Armeo Power training, with results compared to those receiving only standard rehabilitation. The findings aim to provide valuable insights into advanced therapeutic options for stroke rehabilitation.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Rehabilitation of Upper Limb Motor Function in Hemiplegia Due to Supratentorial Cerebral Infarction Using Armeo Power Robot

Interventions

ArmeoPower is a robotic rehabilitation device developed by Hocoma, designed to assist patients with impaired upper limb motor functions following conditions such as stroke or neurological injuries. The device features an exoskeleton that supports and tracks movements of the arm and hand, utilizing motor-assisted motion based on the principle of "adaptive support," which adjusts assistance levels according to the patient's capabilities. ArmeoPower integrates interactive exercises, often in the form of engaging games, to enhance patient motivation and maintain focus during therapy sessions. It also collects and tracks performance data, enabling clinicians to evaluate progress over time. This device is widely used in rehabilitation centers and hospitals to improve muscle control, strength, and range of motion in patients recovering from severe motor impairments.

A Home Exercise ProgramBEHAVIORAL

A Home Exercise Program (HEP) is a personalized set of exercises designed to support recovery and enhance functional abilities outside of clinical therapy sessions. For patients with hemiplegia due to cerebral infarction, the program typically includes range of motion (ROM) exercises to maintain joint flexibility and prevent stiffness, as well as strengthening exercises using resistance bands or light weights to improve muscle function. Balance and postural control exercises, such as weight shifting or standing on one leg, help enhance stability and reduce fall risks. Functional training focuses on practicing daily movements like reaching, grasping, or transferring between positions, while fine motor skill tasks aim to restore hand functionality. The program may also incorporate low-impact aerobic exercises, such as walking or seated cycling, to boost cardiovascular health, along with relaxation and breathing techniques to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. These exercises a

Occupational therapy activitiesBEHAVIORAL

Occupational therapy activities are designed to help individuals regain independence in daily life by addressing functional abilities, motor skills, and cognitive functions. For patients with hemiplegia due to cerebral infarction, these activities often include practicing Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as dressing, grooming, bathing, and feeding, as well as more complex tasks like cooking and managing finances. Fine motor skills development is emphasized through exercises involving tasks like buttoning, tying shoelaces, or handling small objects, sometimes using adaptive tools. Additionally, functional mobility training focuses on teaching safe movement strategies, such as transferring between surfaces or navigating stairs, and may include wheelchair mobility or energy conservation techniques. These activities are tailored to the patient's needs to enhance their ability to perform meaningful and necessary daily tasks independently.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria * Spasticity of the affected arm with a Modified Ashworth Scale score ≤ 2. * Patients must have good cognition and awareness (MoCA score ≥ 26). * Patients must have good vision and visual perception. * Patients must have stable sitting posture and good sitting balance. * Body weight and affected arm size must be compatible with the robotic arm device. * Patients must agree to participate in the study and adhere to the training protocol. Exclusion Criteria * Spasticity with a Modified Ashworth Scale score ≥ 3. * Severe sensory impairment in the affected limb. * Patients with arthritis or joint stiffness. * Hemiplegia caused by conditions other than stroke. * Pre-existing motor disabilities in the affected limb before the stroke. * Skin lesions on the limb requiring rehabilitation. * Uncontrolled epilepsy.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Comparison of upper limb motor function improvement according to 3 scales: FMA-UE, ARAT and HMS in 2 study groups.

The Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) is a standardized clinical test used to evaluate the recovery of upper limb motor function in patients after a stroke. This scale is widely recognized for its reliability and sensitivity in assessing motor recovery during rehabilitation. The test comprises 8 assessment domains with a total of 33 items, and the maximum score achievable is 66 points. Based on the total score, recovery is categorized into four levels: good (56-66 points), indicating near-complete recovery of motor function; fair (42-54 points), reflecting moderate recovery; average (22-40 points), representing limited recovery with partial functionality; and poor (0-20 points), signifying severe motor impairment

Time frame: There are 2 time points for evaluating the research subjects in both groups: Time 1: before intervention Time 2: After the end of 15 intervention sessions (about 3 weeks)

Secondary Outcomes

Action Research Arm Test

The Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) is a clinical scale designed to assess upper limb function, encompassing both gross motor skills and fine motor skills of the hand and fingers. The test evaluates four primary categories of movement: grasping large objects, grasping medium-sized objects, pinching small objects, and gross arm movements. The maximum score for the ARAT is 57 points, with recovery outcomes classified into three levels: good recovery (57 points), indicating full restoration of function; moderate recovery (10-56 points), reflecting partial functional ability; and poor recovery (\<10 points), signifying severe impairment.

Time frame: The Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) can be administered at two time points: baseline (initial assessment) and after 3 weeks to evaluate changes in upper limb function over the course of rehabilitation.

Hand Movement scale

The Hand Movement Scale (HMS) is a clinical tool used to evaluate the motor function of the hand and fingers. The scale is divided into six levels, with scores ranging from 1 to 6, corresponding to increasing levels of movement and dexterity. The scoring reflects progression from no movement (1 point) to the highest level, which is the ability to oppose the thumb (digit I) to the other fingers (6 points). The HMS results are categorized into two levels: poor function (1-3 points) and good function (4-6 points)

Time frame: can be administered at two time points: baseline (initial assessment) and after 3 weeks to evaluate changes in upper limb function over the course of rehabilitation.