Robot-supported upper limb training in a virtual learning environment : a pilot randomized controlled trial in
Peter Feys1, Karin Coninx2, Lore Kerkhofs3
1REVAL Rehabilitation Research Center, BIOMED Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium. peter.feys@uhasselt.be.
Journal of Neuroengineering and Rehabilitation
|July 24, 2015
Summary
Robot-supported training improved movement efficiency in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients but did not significantly change clinical test results. Individuals with greater upper limb impairment may benefit most from this advanced therapy.
Area of Science:
- Neurorehabilitation
- Robotics in Medicine
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Upper limb dysfunction significantly impacts individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Robot-supported training effects remain under-investigated in advanced MS.
- This pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) addresses this gap.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of additional robot-supported upper limb training versus conventional treatment alone in MS patients.
- To assess functional improvements in persons with MS (pwMS).
Main Methods:
- Seventeen pwMS (median Expanded Disability Status Scale 8) participated in an 8-week pilot RCT.
- Intervention group received robot-supported training (HapticMaster robot, I-TRAVLE environment) 3x/week.
- Clinical measures (grip strength, Motricity Index, Fugl-Meyer, Action Research Arm test) and robot-mediated movement tasks were assessed pre- and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- Patients reported positive experiences and functional gains in daily life with robot-supported training.
- Robot-measured movement tasks showed increased efficiency and reduced duration.
- No significant group-level changes were observed in standard clinical outcome measures.
Conclusions:
- Robot-supported training enhances movement efficiency but not significantly standard clinical outcomes on a group level.
- Individuals with more severe upper limb dysfunction may experience greater benefits.
- Larger studies are required to confirm these findings and explore optimal application.
