Robot-assisted therapy for neuromuscular training of sub-acute stroke patients. A feasibility study.

AIM: Several studies have described the contribution of robotics technology in providing effective treatment options for improving upper-extremity functions in patients with hemiparesis following stroke. The aim of this study was to conduct a preliminary assessment of patient acceptance of an upper extremity robot, the Reo Therapy System (Motorika Ltd., Israel), developed specifically for neuromuscular training of upper extremities for use in rehabilitation centers and outpatient clinics.
METHODS: Ten in-patient sub-acute stroke patients aged 30-60 years participated in the study. They received 15 sessions of forty five minutes training with the Reo Therapy System, in addition to traditional occupational and physical therapy. A feedback questionnaire of the patients' satisfaction, the Fugl-Meyer test and the Manual Function Test (MFT) were used as outcome measures.
RESULTS: Patient satisfaction with the robot-assisted therapy program and acceptance of working with Reo Therapy System was very good. Arm impairment and functionality as measured with the Fugl-Meyer and the MFT increased significantly after treatment.
CONCLUSION: The Reo Therapy System was found to be valued by patients. Further research is necessary in order to identify the most efficient balance of Reo Therapy and traditional therapy methods.