Effects of Combined Upper Limb Robotic Therapy in Patients With Tetraplegic Spinal Cord Injury

Ann Rehabil Med, 2019 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.5535/arm.2019.43.4.445 · Published: August 1, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether combining robotic therapy with traditional occupational therapy improves upper limb function in patients with tetraplegic spinal cord injury. Participants were divided into two groups: one receiving robotic therapy plus occupational therapy, and the other receiving occupational therapy alone. The robotic therapy used ArmeoPower and Amadeo devices. The study found that both groups showed improvements, but the robotic therapy group had significant gains in specific motor functions like elbow extension and certain self-care activities.

Study Duration

March to December 2017

Participants

30 tetraplegic SCI patients

Evidence Level

RCT

Key Findings

1
Combined upper limb RT demonstrated beneficial effects on the upper limb motor function in patients with tetraplegic SCI, which were comparable with conventional OT.
2
The RT group showed significant improvements in MMT scores of shoulder abduction, elbow flexion, elbow extension, and 2-5th metacarpophalangeal (MP) extension.
3
The OT group showed significant improvement in grip strength of the tip pinch and three-jaw chuck items.

Research Summary

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of combined upper limb robotic therapy (RT) compared to conventional occupational therapy (OT) in tetraplegic spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. Both groups demonstrated improvements in upper limb strength and function, but the RT group showed significant increases in specific motor functions and self-care activities. The findings suggest that combined RT can be an effective approach to enhance upper limb motor function in tetraplegic SCI patients, with potential advantages in proximal strengthening.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategy

Combined robotic and occupational therapy can be considered as a rehabilitation strategy for tetraplegic SCI patients to improve upper limb motor function.

Proximal Strengthening

Robotic therapy may be particularly beneficial for strengthening proximal muscles in the upper limb.

Fine Motor Skills

Conventional occupational therapy may be more effective for improving distal fine motor skills.

Study Limitations

1
Single center study
2
Small sample size
3
Difficult to differentiate changes by RT from those of natural neurological recovery

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