Effects of robotic therapy on upper-extremity function in children with cerebral palsy: A systematic review
Yu-Ping Chen1, Ayanna M Howard2
1a Department of Physical Therapy , Georgia State University , Atlanta , GA , USA and.
Insights
Robotic therapy shows potential for improving upper extremity (UE) function in children with cerebral palsy (CP). More rigorous studies are needed to confirm these promising findings for pediatric rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric rehabilitation
- Neurology
- Robotics in medicine
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) significantly impacts motor function, particularly in the upper extremities (UE).
- Traditional therapies often face challenges in providing consistent and intensive training for UE function in children with CP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the existing literature on the efficacy of robotic therapy for improving UE function in children diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP).
- To assess the impact of robotic interventions on various measures of upper extremity performance in pediatric CP populations.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive systematic literature search was performed across major scientific databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, PsychInfo, TRIP, Web of Science) up to July 2013.
- Inclusion criteria focused on studies involving children with CP, the application of robotic therapy, and the measurement of upper extremity (UE) function.
Main Results:
- Nine studies utilizing three distinct robotic systems were identified, with seven employing a case study design.
- All included studies reported positive outcomes, indicating robotic therapy's potential. Moderate improvements were observed in reaching duration, smoothness, and muscle tone, alongside small to large effects on standardized clinical assessments like the Fugl-Meyer scale.
Conclusions:
- The review suggests that robotic therapy holds promise for enhancing upper extremity (UE) function in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
- The current evidence base is limited by a lack of rigorous group design studies, necessitating further research before definitive clinical recommendations can be established.
Objective:
To systematically examine the effects of robotic therapy on upper extremity (UE) function in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
Methods:
A systematic literature search was conducted in Pubmed, CINAHL, Cochrane, PsychInfo, TRIP, and Web of Science up to July 2013. Studies of children with CP, using robotic therapy and measures of UE were included.
Results:
Nine articles using three different robotic systems were included. Of these, seven were case studies. Overall, robotic therapy showed the potential effects as all studies reported at least one positive outcome: a moderate effect in improving reaching duration, smoothness, or decreased muscle tone, and a small to large effect in standardized clinical assessment (e.g. Fugl-Meyer).
Conclusion:
This review confirms the potential for robotic therapy to improve UE function in children with CP. However, the paucity of group design studies summons the need for more rigorous research before conclusive recommendations can be made.
