Article

Use of rehabilitation technology, such as (electro)mechanical devices
or robotics, could partly relieve the increasing strain on stroke rehabilitation
caused by an increasing prevalence of stroke. Arm support (AS) training showed
improvement of unsupported arm function in chronic stroke. OBJECTIVE: To examine
the effect of weight-supported arm training combined with computerized exercises
on arm function and capacity, compared with dose-matched conventional reach
training in subacute stroke patients. METHODS:
In a single-blind, multicenter,
randomized controlled trial, 70 subacute stroke patients received 6 weeks of
training with either an AS device combined with computerized exercises or
dose-matched conventional training (CON). Arm function was evaluated pretraining
and posttraining by Fugl-Meyer assessment (FM), maximal reach distance, Stroke
Upper Limb Capacity Scale (SULCS), and arm pain via Visual Analogue Scale, in
addition to perceived motivation by Intrinsic Motivation Inventory posttraining.
RESULTS: FM and SULCS scores and reach distance improved significantly within
both groups. These improvements and experienced pain did not differ between
groups. The AS group reported higher interest/enjoyment during training than the CON group. CONCLUSIONS:
AS training with computerized exercises is as effective
as conventional therapy dedicated to the arm to improve arm function and activity
in subacute stroke rehabilitation, when applied at the same dose.
CI - (c) The Author(s) 2014.
- Rééducation par le jeu

Langue : ANGLAIS