Article

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of home rehabilitation of the
hand using a robotic glove, and, in addition, its effectiveness, in hemiplegic
patients after stroke. METHODS: In this non-randomized pilot study, 21 hemiplegic
stroke patients (Ashworth spasticity index </= 3) were prescribed, after
in-hospital rehabilitation, a 2-month home-program of intensive hand training
using the Gloreha Lite glove that provides computer-controlled passive
mobilization of the fingers. Feasibility was measured by: number of patients who
completed the home-program, minutes of exercise and number of sessions/patient
performed. Safety was assessed by: hand pain with a visual analog scale (VAS),
Ashworth spasticity index for finger flexors, opponents of the thumb and wrist
flexors, and hand edema (circumference of forearm, wrist and fingers), measured
at start (T0) and end (T1) of rehabilitation. Hand motor function (Motricity
Index, MI), fine manual dexterity (Nine Hole Peg Test, NHPT) and strength (Grip
test) were also measured at T0 and T1. RESULTS: Patients performed, over a mean
period 56 (49-63) days, a total of 1699 (1353-2045) min/patient of exercise with
Gloreha Lite, 5.1 (4.3-5.8) days/week. Seventeen patients (81%) completed the
full program. The mean VAS score of hand pain, Ashworth spasticity index and hand
edema did not change significantly at T1 compared to T0. The MI, NHPT and Grip
test improved significantly (p = 0.0020, 0.0156 and 0.0024, respectively)
compared to baseline. CONCLUSION: Gloreha Lite is feasible and safe for use in
home rehabilitation. The efficacy data show a therapeutic effect which need to be
confirmed by a randomized controlled study.

Langue : ANGLAIS