A robot exoskeleton can improve hand function early after stroke

Abstract

Objective To explore the effectiveness of a myoelectricity-driven hand robot on the recovery of hand motor function early after a stroke. Methods Thirty stroke survivors were randomly assigned to either a control group (n=15) or an experimental group (n=15). Both groups received routine rehabilitation exercises, while the experimental group additionally received hand training using a robotic hand exoskeleton. Before and after 4 weeks of treatment, the motor function of the wrist and fingers in both groups were measured using the Fugl-Meyer assessment. Spasticity in the index, middle, ring and little fingers was quantified using the modified Ashworth scale. The muscle force of the fourth finger, thumb and all of the fingers during maximum voluntary extension and flexion were recorded using the robot′s surface electromyography system. Results Significant increases in the average Fugl-Meyer scores in both groups were observed after 4 weeks of treatment, but the experimental group′s average score was by then significantly higher than that of the control group. The experimental group′s average Ashworth score and the average sEMG amplitudes were also significantly better than those of the control group. Conclusion Supplementing routine rehabilitation exercises with a hand robot can improve hand motor function and muscle force significantly, as well as relieving hand spasticity early after a stroke. Key words: Hands; Robots; Stroke; Hand motor function; Exoskeletons