Maxime Gilliaux1, Anne Renders2, Delphine Dispa2, Dominique Holvoet3, Julien Sapin4, Bruno Dehez4, Christine Detrembleur1, Thierry M Lejeune5, Gaëtan Stoquart6. 1. Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Brussels, Belgium Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Bionics, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium. 2. Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Brussels, Belgium Université catholique de Louvain, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium. 3. Institut d'Enseignement Supérieur Parnasse-Deux Alice, Brussels, Belgium. 4. Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Bionics, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil Engineering, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium. 5. Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Brussels, Belgium Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Bionics, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium Université catholique de Louvain, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium thierry.lejeune@uclouvain.be. 6. Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Brussels, Belgium Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Bionics, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium Université catholique de Louvain, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Several pilot studies have evoked interest in robot-assisted therapy (RAT) in children with cerebral palsy (CP). OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of RAT in children with CP through a single-blind randomized controlled trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixteen children with CP were randomized into 2 groups. Eight children performed 5 conventional therapy sessions per week over 8 weeks (control group). Eight children completed 3 conventional therapy sessions and 2 robot-assisted sessions per week over 8 weeks (robotic group). For both groups, each therapy session lasted 45 minutes. Throughout each RAT session, the patient attempted to reach several targets consecutively with the REAPlan. The REAPlan is a distal effector robot that allows for displacements of the upper limb in the horizontal plane. A blinded assessment was performed before and after the intervention with respect to the International Classification of Functioning framework: body structure and function (upper limb kinematics, Box and Block test, Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test, strength, and spasticity), activities (Abilhand-Kids, Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory), and participation (Life Habits). RESULTS: During each RAT session, patients performed 744 movements on average with the REAPlan. Among the variables assessed, the smoothness of movement (P < .01) and manual dexterity assessed by the Box and Block test (P = .04) improved significantly more in the robotic group than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: This single-blind randomized controlled trial provides the first evidence that RAT is effective in children with CP. Future studies should investigate the long-term effects of this therapy.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: Several pilot studies have evoked interest in robot-assisted therapy (RAT) in children with cerebral palsy (CP). OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of RAT in children with CP through a single-blind randomized controlled trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixteen children with CP were randomized into 2 groups. Eight children performed 5 conventional therapy sessions per week over 8 weeks (control group). Eight children completed 3 conventional therapy sessions and 2 robot-assisted sessions per week over 8 weeks (robotic group). For both groups, each therapy session lasted 45 minutes. Throughout each RAT session, the patient attempted to reach several targets consecutively with the REAPlan. The REAPlan is a distal effector robot that allows for displacements of the upper limb in the horizontal plane. A blinded assessment was performed before and after the intervention with respect to the International Classification of Functioning framework: body structure and function (upper limb kinematics, Box and Block test, Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test, strength, and spasticity), activities (Abilhand-Kids, Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory), and participation (Life Habits). RESULTS: During each RAT session, patients performed 744 movements on average with the REAPlan. Among the variables assessed, the smoothness of movement (P < .01) and manual dexterity assessed by the Box and Block test (P = .04) improved significantly more in the robotic group than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: This single-blind randomized controlled trial provides the first evidence that RAT is effective in children with CP. Future studies should investigate the long-term effects of this therapy.
Keywords:
Disability and Health; International Classification of Functioning; cerebral palsy; kinematics; motor learning; pediatrics; rehabilitation; robotics
Authors: Fernanda M R M Ferreira; Maria Emília A Chaves; Vinícius C Oliveira; Jordana S R Martins; Claysson B S Vimieiro; Adriana M V N Van Petten Journal: Occup Ther Int Date: 2021-07-31 Impact factor: 1.448
Authors: Brian J Hoare; Margaret A Wallen; Megan N Thorley; Michelle L Jackman; Leeanne M Carey; Christine Imms Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Date: 2019-04-01