Article

OBJECTIVES: To assess the acceptance, utilization and clinical results of an arm
studio designed to intensify treatment of the severely to moderately affected arm
after stroke. In line with a distal bilateral approach, the equipment comprised 4
workstations, 1 finger trainer, and 3 machines for bilateral training of selected
distal and proximal movements. DESIGN: Open study. SUBJECTS: Of 119 treated
patients after subacute stroke, 30 completed a questionnaire and 24 were
assessed. METHODS: All patients completed 15 sessions, each of 30-45 min
duration, on each of 2 workstations. Based on the patients' impairment level they
were divided into 3 groups, as follows: group A, plegic; group B, proximal and
distal movements but hand non-functional; and group C, able to grasp and release
an object. Motor functions were assessed with the Fugl-Meyer Score (FM, 0-66) for
groups A (n = 6) and B (n = 6), and the Action Arm Research Test (ARAT, 0-57) for
group C (n = 12). RESULTS: No side-effects occurred. The patients regarded the
training positively. The initial FM was 8.5 (standard deviation (SD) 3.3) and
final FM 21.2 (SD 4.4) for group A, initial FM 25.3 (SD 6.9) and final FM 44.3
(SD 9.1) for group B, and initial ARAT 33.3 (SD 11.2) and final ARAT 43.5 (SD
10.7) for group C. CONCLUSION: The use of the arm studio to intensify upper limb
rehabilitation after stroke is promising, and a controlled study is warranted.

Langue : ANGLAIS