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Feasibility of Robot-Assistance Hand Physiotherapy in Post-Stroke Patients Publisher



Mohandesi F1 ; Mirbagheri A1, 2 ; Mirbagheri MM1, 3 ; Nakhostin Ansari N4, 5 ; Kazemi R6
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Research Centre for Biomedical Technologies and Robotics (RCBTR), Advanced Medical Technologies and Equipment Institute (AMTEI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, United States
  4. 4. Research Center for War-Affected People, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
  5. 5. Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
  6. 6. PT and Technical Director of Tabassom Stroke Rehabilitation Center, Tehran, Iran

Source: Journal of Biomedical Physics and Engineering Published:2024


Abstract

Background: Patients with experienced stroke have suffered from long-term disability, especially in their distal upper extremities. Physiotherapy programs are considered a proper treatment to overcome the complications caused by stroke. The use of robots in physiotherapy is also considered a newfound procedure as an alternative to conventional methods. Objective: This study aimed to describe a feasibility test on a physiotherapy robot and evaluate the efficacy of the proposed device. Material and Methods: In this experimental study, a 4-degrees-of-freedom robot was designed and fabricated for hand physiotherapy, which was tested on 17 and 4 post-strokes in the passive and active modes for the best efficiency. Additionally, the patient’s hand spasticity was measured according to the Modified Ashworth Scale preand post-usage of the device. Results: A total of 12 of 17 individuals could do the exercises and follow the instructions without any problem, and 8 of 12 individuals had a decrease in their spasticity. All 4 patients in active-assisted mode could fulfill the activity. Conclusion: Physiotherapy based on a robot-assisted is considered a promising method with effective treatments for post-stroke patients, which can be a good alternative to routine methods of physiotherapy. However, more tests are needed to determine the rate of functions’ restoration. © Journal of Biomedical Physics and Engineering.