Article

Robot-assisted therapy (RT) is a promising intervention for stroke
rehabilitation. RT hybridized with therapist-mediated therapy (eg, RT plus
task-specific or impairment-oriented training) may possibly yield functionally
relevant improvements. A comparative study of the different combination regimens
is needed. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of RT combined with
task-specific training or impairment-oriented training on motor function and
quality of life in patients with chronic stroke.
DESIGN: A single-blind,
randomized comparative efficacy study. SETTING: Two medical centers in Taiwan.
PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-one subjects with chronic stroke. INTERVENTIONS:
Participants were recruited and randomized into 1 of 2 groups: (1) RT combined
with task-specific (RTT) training (enrolled, n = 11; completed, n = 11) or (2) RT
combined with impairment-oriented (RTI) training (enrolled, n = 10; completed, n
= 9). Participants received 20 intervention sessions (90-100 min/d, 5 d/wk for 4
weeks). OUTCOMES: The Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment Upper Extremity subscale,
Stroke Impact Scale, Action Research Arm Test, and Medical Research Council Scale
were administered at baseline, posttreatment, and at 3-month follow-up. Two-way
repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to investigate the treatment
effects. RESULTS: The improvements of the RTT group in motor function measured by
the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment Upper Extremity subscale and quality of life
assessed by the Stroke Impact Scale were significantly superior to the RTI group
after the interventions. The improvements of the RTT group were maintained for 3
months. Both groups demonstrated significant within-group improvements in motor
function, muscle power, and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: RTT may be a more
compelling approach to enhance motor function and quality of life for a long-term
period than RTI. The combination of RT with task-specific training and with
impairment-oriented training had similar benefits on upper limb motor function
and muscle strength immediately after the interventions.
CI - Copyright (c) 2016 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS