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

Summary: Can robots help stroke recovery? Research suggests robot-assisted therapy improved outcomes for post-stroke patients. More testing is needed to confirm effectiveness. #StrokeRecovery #HealthTech

Mohandesi F¹ ; Mirbagheri A^{1, 2} ; Mirbagheri MM^{1, 3} ; Nakhostin Ansari N^{4, 5} ; Kazemi R⁶
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.