Article

We systematically reviewed and analyzed the literature to find randomized
controlled trials (RCTs) that employed robotic devices in upper-limb
rehabilitation of people with stroke. Out of 574 studies,
12 matching the
selection criteria were found. The Fugl-Meyer, Functional Independence Measure,
Motor Power Scale, and Motor Status Scale outcome measures from the selected RCTs
were pooled together, and the corresponding effect sizes were estimated. We found
that when the duration/intensity of conventional therapy (CT) is matched with
that of the robot-assisted therapy (RT), no difference exists between the
intensive CT and RT groups in terms of motor recovery, activities of daily
living, strength, and motor control. However, depending on the stage of recovery,
extra sessions of RT in addition to regular CT are more beneficial than regular
CT alone in motor recovery of the hemiparetic shoulder and elbow of patients with
stroke; gains are similar to those that have been observed in intensive CT.

Langue : ANGLAIS