Orthotic aided training of the paretic upper limb in chronic stroke: results of a phase 1 trial.

This was a phase 1 investigation of an upper limb training program using the SaeboFlex dynamic orthosis to improve upper limb motor status. Thirteen individuals with chronic hemiparesis from stroke (age 26-71 years) participated. After being fitted with a SaeboFlex orthosis, each participant was engaged in 5 days of training (6 hours per day) that consisted of repetitive, task oriented activities with the SaeboFlex, exercises, and functional electrical stimulation. Individuals demonstrated improvements in movement at the shoulder and elbow. Wrist extension also improved, but wrist flexion and finger movement did not. Two more global measures of upper limb status improved. Muscle tone decreased. All participants remained pain free. This investigation demonstrates that a program using the orthosis was accompanied by many desirable changes and no untoward consequences.