Article

This systematic review with a meta-analysis of studies was carried out to
evaluate the effectiveness of robotic training (RT) and conventional training
(CT) in improving the motor recovery of paretic upper limbs in stroke patients.
Numerous electronic databases were searched from January 2000 to May 2016.
Finally, 13 randomized-controlled trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria and
were included in the three meta-analyses. The first meta-analysis carried out for
those studies using RT for stroke patients indicated a significant improvement in
the RT groups. The second meta-analysis suggested that the upper limb function
(measured by Fugl-Meyer test) was significantly improved when RT was used with CT
compared with CT alone. The third meta-analysis noted a significant difference in
motor recovery between the CT-only and RT groups (RT only or RT combined with CT)
in the chronic stages of stroke, but not in the acute or subacute stages.
However, the RT group also showed a higher Fugl-Meyer score in patients at both
the acute and the subacute stage. RT appeared to have positive outcomes to
enhance motor recovery of the paralyzed upper limb. Robotic devices were believed
to provide more assistance to patients to help support the weight of the upper
limb; thus, active movement training can begin in the early rehabilitation stage.
These novel devices may also help those chronic patients to achieve better
rehabilitation goals. As a summary, RT could be used in addition to CT to help
both therapists and patients in the management of the paralyzed upper limb.

Langue : ANGLAIS