The effects of robot-assisted arm training on upper limb functions in Parkinson disease

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of robot-assisted arm training and recreational activities in addition to a conventional rehabilitation program on upper extremity functions.

The three-arm, randomized controlled study was conducted between July 2017 and March 2019. Forty-five patients (25 males, 20 females; mean age: 65.7±8.3 years; range, 40 to 75 years) were randomized into three groups. The first group underwent a conventional rehabilitation program. The second group underwent a conventional rehabilitation program + robot-assisted arm training. The third group underwent conventional rehabilitation + robot-assisted arm training + recreational activities. Before and after the rehabilitation program, handgrip strength, pinch strength, nine-hole peg test, Frenchay arm test, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39), rapid alternating movements, fine finger movements, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, and Fatigue Severity Scale were investigated.

In the first and second group, success was achieved in UPDRS mentation, behavior and mood, activities of daily living, motor examination subscales, PDQ-39 total score, emotional well-being, and activities of daily living subscales. Handgrip strength and nine-hole peg test performance also improved significantly. Tip pinch strength, fine finger movements test, and Frenchay arm test showed greater improvement in the third group.

Activities of daily living, upper extremity motor function, muscle strength, mental and emotional well-being improved in patients with Parkinson disease treated with robot-assisted arm in addition to conventional rehabilitation. Hand fine motor skills were improved in patients who attended to recreational activities in addition to conventional rehabilitation and robot-assisted arm training.