Gerdienke B Prange1, Anke I R Kottink2, Jaap H Buurke2, Martine M E M Eckhardt3, Bianca J van Keulen-Rouweler4, Gerard M Ribbers3, Johan S Rietman2. 1. Roessingh Research and Development, Enschede, Netherlands University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands g.prange@rrd.nl. 2. Roessingh Research and Development, Enschede, Netherlands University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands. 3. Rijndam Rehabilitation Center and Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands. 4. Rehabilitation Medical Center Groot Klimmendaal, Arnhem, Netherlands.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Use of rehabilitation technology, such as (electro)mechanical devices or robotics, could partly relieve the increasing strain on stroke rehabilitation caused by an increasing prevalence of stroke. Arm support (AS) training showed improvement of unsupported arm function in chronic stroke. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of weight-supported arm training combined with computerized exercises on arm function and capacity, compared with dose-matched conventional reach training in subacute stroke patients. METHODS: In a single-blind, multicenter, randomized controlled trial, 70 subacute stroke patients received 6 weeks of training with either an AS device combined with computerized exercises or dose-matched conventional training (CON). Arm function was evaluated pretraining and posttraining by Fugl-Meyer assessment (FM), maximal reach distance, Stroke Upper Limb Capacity Scale (SULCS), and arm pain via Visual Analogue Scale, in addition to perceived motivation by Intrinsic Motivation Inventory posttraining. RESULTS:FM and SULCS scores and reach distance improved significantly within both groups. These improvements and experienced pain did not differ between groups. The AS group reported higher interest/enjoyment during training than the CON group. CONCLUSIONS: AS training with computerized exercises is as effective as conventional therapy dedicated to the arm to improve arm function and activity in subacute stroke rehabilitation, when applied at the same dose.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: Use of rehabilitation technology, such as (electro)mechanical devices or robotics, could partly relieve the increasing strain on stroke rehabilitation caused by an increasing prevalence of stroke. Arm support (AS) training showed improvement of unsupported arm function in chronic stroke. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of weight-supported arm training combined with computerized exercises on arm function and capacity, compared with dose-matched conventional reach training in subacute strokepatients. METHODS: In a single-blind, multicenter, randomized controlled trial, 70 subacute strokepatients received 6 weeks of training with either an AS device combined with computerized exercises or dose-matched conventional training (CON). Arm function was evaluated pretraining and posttraining by Fugl-Meyer assessment (FM), maximal reach distance, Stroke Upper Limb Capacity Scale (SULCS), and arm pain via Visual Analogue Scale, in addition to perceived motivation by Intrinsic Motivation Inventory posttraining. RESULTS: FM and SULCS scores and reach distance improved significantly within both groups. These improvements and experienced pain did not differ between groups. The AS group reported higher interest/enjoyment during training than the CON group. CONCLUSIONS: AS training with computerized exercises is as effective as conventional therapy dedicated to the arm to improve arm function and activity in subacute stroke rehabilitation, when applied at the same dose.
Authors: Sharon M Nijenhuis; Gerdienke B Prange; Farshid Amirabdollahian; Patrizio Sale; Francesco Infarinato; Nasrin Nasr; Gail Mountain; Hermie J Hermens; Arno H A Stienen; Jaap H Buurke; Johan S Rietman Journal: J Neuroeng Rehabil Date: 2015-10-09 Impact factor: 4.262
Authors: Duc A Tran; Marta Pajaro-Blazquez; Jean-Francois Daneault; Jaime G Gallegos; Jose Pons; Felipe Fregni; Paolo Bonato; Ross Zafonte Journal: Am J Phys Med Rehabil Date: 2016-06 Impact factor: 2.159