Article

OBJECTIVE: To validate a protocol assessing upper limb kinematics using a planar
robot among stroke patients. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SUBJECTS:
Age-matched healthy subjects
(n = 25) and stroke patients
(n = 25). METHODS:
Various kinematic indices (n = 44) were obtained from 4 tasks performed by
subjects with REAplan, a planar end-effector robotic device. The metrological
properties of this protocol were studied. RESULTS: In stroke patients, 43
kinematic indices showed moderate to excellent reliability (intraclass
correlation coefficients (ICC) range 0.40-0.95; and minimal detectable changes
range 9.9-121.1%). In healthy subjects, 25 kinematic indices showed moderate to
excellent reliability (ICC range 0.40-0.91) and 3 indices showed a laterality
effect (p < 0.05). Many of these indices (27 of 44) were altered in stroke
patients in comparison with healthy subjects (p < 0.05). The Box and Block test
(manual dexterity) and Upper Limb Sub-score of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (motor
control) showed moderate to good correlations with, respectively, 13 and 4
indices (r > 0.40). Finally, a principal component analysis allowed the
elaboration of a short version of the protocol, reducing the number of indices to
5 (i.e. Amplitude, CVstraightness, Speed Metric, CVjerk metric and CVspeed
metric). CONCLUSION: This study provides a standardized, valid, reliable and
sensitive protocol to quantify upper limb impairments in stroke patients, using a planar robot.

Langue : ANGLAIS