Robot-Assisted Training of Arm and Hand Movement Shows Functional Improvements for Incomplete Cervical Spinal Cord...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Robotics

Background:

• Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in significant upper limb motor deficits.
• Restoring arm and hand function is crucial for independence in daily living activities.
• Current rehabilitation strategies may benefit from innovative assistive technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility, tolerability, and effectiveness of robotic-assisted arm training in individuals with incomplete chronic tetraplegia.
• To evaluate the impact of MAHI Exo-II exoskeleton training on upper limb function and strength.
• To determine the retention of functional gains post-intervention.

Main Methods:

• A pretest/posttest/follow-up design was employed with ten participants with chronic cervical SCI.
• Participants underwent 4 weeks of MAHI Exo-II exoskeleton training, 3 sessions per week, 3 hours per session.
• Assessments included upper limb function tests, strength measurements, and independence in daily activities at baseline, post-training, and 6-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in arm and hand function (Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test, Action Research Arm Test) and upper limb strength (motor score, grip, pinch strength) post-training (P < 0.05).
• Functional gains were largely maintained at the 6-month follow-up.
• No significant changes in independence in daily living activities (Spinal Cord Independence Measure II) and no adverse events were reported.

Conclusions:

• Robotic-assisted repetitive arm training with the MAHI Exo-II exoskeleton is a safe and feasible intervention for individuals with SCI.
• This approach shows potential as an adjunct therapy for improving arm and hand function in patients with mild to moderate impairments.
• Further research is warranted to optimize exoskeleton-based rehabilitation protocols for SCI.