A proof of concept study investigating the feasibility of combining iPAM robot assisted rehabilitation with functional electrical stimulation to deliver whole arm exercise in stroke survivors

J Med Eng Technol. 2014;39(7):411-8. doi: 10.3109/03091902.2015.1088094. Epub 2015 Sep 28.

Abstract

Rehabilitation robots can provide exercise for stroke survivors with weakness at the shoulder and elbow, but most do not facilitate hand movements. The aim was to combine robotics and functional electrical stimulation to facilitate exercise in stroke survivors with upper limb impairment. iPAM Mk II was used to assist active reaching in combination with an Odstock Pace stimulator to assist hand opening. The ABILHAND, Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) were recorded at baseline and completion. Nine participants (eight males and one female; mean age = 58 years) were recruited; mean time since stroke was 16 months (range = 6-64). The ABILHAND at baseline was -2.73, improving to -1.45 at follow-up (p = 0.038). The ARAT changed from 4.1 to 2.6 (p = 0.180), and the SIS from 49 to 60 (p = 0.019). This study demonstrates that it is possible to combine two technologies in stroke rehabilitation.

Keywords: Arm; functional electrical stimulation; rehabilitation; robots; stroke.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Arm
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy / instrumentation*
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Exercise Therapy / instrumentation*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Movement Disorders / diagnosis
  • Movement Disorders / etiology
  • Movement Disorders / rehabilitation*
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Pilot Projects
  • Recovery of Function
  • Robotics / instrumentation*
  • Stroke / complications
  • Stroke / diagnosis
  • Stroke Rehabilitation*
  • Therapy, Computer-Assisted / instrumentation*
  • Treatment Outcome