[ARMOR: an electromechanical robot for upper limb training following stroke. A prospective randomised controlled...

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Robotics in Medicine
• Stroke Recovery

Background:

• Upper motor neuron syndrome post-stroke presents significant challenges for paretic upper limb functional recovery.
• Robot-assisted training has demonstrated efficacy in gait rehabilitation, prompting exploration for upper limb applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical applicability and effectiveness of a novel electromechanical arm robot (ARMOR) for upper limb neurorehabilitation in stroke patients.
• To compare ARMOR training with electromyography-triggered neuromuscular electrical stimulation (EMG-NMES).

Main Methods:

• A clinical AB-BA cross-over study involving eight stroke patients.
• Comparison of ARMOR training against EMG-NMES using outcome measures including Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment, modified Ashworth Scale, goniometry, dynamometry, and Functional Dexterity Test.

Main Results:

• ARMOR training led to significant improvements in muscle tone (p = 0.004) and range of movement (p = 0.005), alongside enhanced dexterity, compared to EMG-NMES.
• Patients undergoing ARMOR training showed improvement in shoulder pain and arm/hand activity, unlike those receiving EMG-NMES.
• Earlier phase ARMOR training (A1) yielded better outcomes than later phase training (A2).

Conclusions:

• Automated training using the ARMOR electromechanical arm robot demonstrates a positive effect on paretic upper limb function in stroke survivors.
• The study validates the clinical applicability of ARMOR for neurorehabilitation of the upper extremity post-stroke.