Article

The aim of the study was to demonstrate the feasibility, tolerability,
and effectiveness of robotic-assisted arm training in incomplete chronic
tetraplegia. DESIGN: Pretest/posttest/follow-up was conducted. Ten individuals
with chronic cervical spinal cord injury were enrolled.
Participants performed
single degree-of-freedom exercise of upper limbs at an intensity of 3-hr per
session for 3 times a week for 4 wks with MAHI Exo-II.
Arm and hand function
tests (Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test, Action Research Arm Test), strength of
upper limb (upper limb motor score, grip, and pinch strength), and independence
in daily living activities (Spinal Cord Independence Measure II) were performed
at baseline, end of training, and 6 mos later. RESULTS: After 12 sessions of
training, improvements in arm and hand functions were observed. Jebsen-Taylor
Hand Function Test (0.14[0.04]-0.21[0.07] items/sec, P = 0.04), Action Research
Arm Test (30.7[3.8]-34.3[4], P = 0.02), American Spinal Injury Association upper
limb motor score (31.5[2.3]-34[2.3], P = 0.04) grip (9.7[3.8]-12[4.3] lb, P =
0.02), and pinch strength (4.5[1.1]-5.7[1.2] lb, P = 0.01) resulted in
significant increases. Some gains were maintained at 6 mos. No change in Spinal
Cord Independence Measure II scores and no adverse events were observed.
CONCLUSIONS: Results from this pilot study suggest that repetitive training of
arm movements with MAHI Exo-II exoskeleton is safe and has potential to be an
adjunct treatment modality in rehabilitation of persons with spinal cord injury
with mild to moderate impaired arm functions.

Langue : ANGLAIS