Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026
Application of a Dual Upper Limb Task-Oriented Robotic System for the Functional Recovery of the Upper Limb in Stroke Patients
Published on: October 11, 2024
Evaluation of an intensive, private, community, upper limb rehabilitation program for people with chronic stroke: a
Alana Spirou1, Ines Serrada1, Kate Smedley2
1Innovation, IMPlementation and Clinical Translation in Health (IIMPACT in Health), College of Health, Adelaide University, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
Purpose:
Increased rehabilitation intensity may improve upper-limb recovery post-stroke. This study explored early preliminary evidence of effectiveness and participant experiences of a private, intensive, community, upper-limb rehabilitation program (Neuroboost).
Methods:
Pre-post case series using a concurrent mixed methods design. People with chronic stroke and upper limb impairment enrolled in a six-week, 18-hour, rehabilitation program (Neuroboost) were invited to participate. Quantitative measures (pre-post) investigated upper-limb impairment/activity (Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity - FMA-UE; Action Research Arm Test - ARAT), self-efficacy (Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaire - SSEQ), and quality of life (EuroQol-5 Dimension Questionnaire - EQ-5D-5L; EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale - EQ-VAS). Semi-structed interviews were conducted within four-weeks of Neuroboost completion.
Results:
Two participants were recruited (both female, 48 and 53 years). FMA-UE improved in both participants (3 and 6 points). ARAT (0 and 3 points), SSEQ (11 and -15 points), EQ-5D-5L (-0.01 and -0.29), and EQ-VAS (0 and 55 points) changes were variable. Participants reported themes of Commitment, Social, Technology, Arm Movement, Quality of Life, Expectations, and Environment.
Conclusion:
Preliminary findings from a small sample suggest that delivering intensive rehabilitation in a private setting may promote upper-limb recovery in chronic stroke survivors. A larger study appears worthy to establish evidence of effectiveness.
