Combined Effects of Soft Robotic Hand and Electrical Stimulation on Hand Function in Stroke Survivors

Overview

Stroke is a clinically delineated syndrome, which is characterised by an acute, focal neurological deficit resulting from vascular injury (infarction or haemorrhage) within the central nervous system. Notably, around 80 percent of stroke survivors experience post-stroke deficits in upper extremity (UE) motor performance, impacting grip strength, dexterity, and functional independence, which greatly hinder the ability of stroke patients to carry out activities of daily living (ADL), and in turn affects their overall quality of life (QOL).One potential solution to these difficulties is the creation of rehabilitation robotic devices that incorporate hand technology and electrical stimulation. Although soft robotic assistive devices and electrical stimulation have each shown positive effects on motor recovery, their combined use has yet to be thoroughly investigated. This study intends to determine if the simultaneous application of these therapies can speed up rehabilitation results in comparison to independent therapies. Stroke Participants will be divided into two groups, Experimental group and Control group. Both the groups will receive intervention for 40 min/day, 03 days/week, for 08 week and measurements will be taken prior to the treatment, after 4 weeks of treatment and 8 weeks post-treatment.

Stroke is the second largest cause of death and disability worldwide. On the basis of cause, there are two major kinds of strokes, 80 % of which are ischemic strokes and 20% are of hemorrhagic stroke. While on the basis of duration stroke is divided as transient ischemic stroke (TIA), acute, sub-acute and chronic stroke. Between 1993/1994 and 2005, the mean age of stroke onset decreased by two years, and the proportion of strokes among individuals aged 20 to 54 increased by approximately 50%, from 12.9% to 18.6%, with ischemic stroke being the most common type. Prevalence of stroke in low-income countries is increasing over the last three decades with an annual increase of 14.3%, and globally, the overall prevalence of stroke in the elderly is estimated at 7.4%. Between 17% and 40% of stroke survivors experience spasticity in their upper extremities, significantly impairing their ability to perform daily tasks. Rehabilitation of the upper limbs is particularly crucial during the first six months following a stroke, as recovery of motor functions and daily living activities significantly diminishes after this period. Beyond this six-month window, up to 66% of patients fail to regain functional upper-limb capabilities. Robot assisted therapy (RAT) is a novel approach used in the stroke rehabilitation to deliver the motor and task-oriented training by utilizing robotic devices. There are many researches working on the effect of soft robotic hand and electrical stimulation and their effect compared with the other physical therapy intervention that are constrained induced movement therapy (CIMT) or Mirror therapy or traditional physical therapy program, but the results for the combined effect of the soft robotic hand and electrical stimulation when applied along with functional task training are still under study. Given the limitations of traditional therapies, the integration of soft robotic hand with electrical stimulation may offer a promising approach to early rehabilitation. This integrated approach can enhance functional recovery by facilitating neuroplasticity and motor relearning through synchronised passive and active movements, thereby promoting greater independence in daily activities. This research aims to develop effective rehabilitation strategies that lower long-term healthcare costs and enhance overall motor recovery.