Article

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. 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.
CI - (c) The Author(s) 2014.

Langue : ANGLAIS