Abstract
Purpose: This study was to review effects of robot-assisted bilateral arm training on upper extremity motor functions in patients with stroke. Method: A systematic online literature search was conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Web of Science. Studies published in English were collected from January 2008 to December 2012. Included articles were evaluated with the American Occupational Therapy Association levels of evidence. Data related to the study designs, descriptive characteristics of subjects, interventions, and outcome measures were extracted. Results: Eight articles were included: five studies were randomized controlled trials, two were single-subject design, and one was quasi-experimental study. Four studies on upper extremity incorporated bilateral functional tasks training after robotic training. One study combined non-invasive transcranial direct current stimulation to enhance additional gains. Four studies showed the experimental group had larger effects on upper extremity motor functions than the conventional therapy group. Conclusion: This review supports the positive effects of robot-assisted bilateral arm training on upper extremity motor functions. Future research is needed to evaluate sensory functions and to study the effects of robotassisted bilateral arm training on functional outcomes and quality of life.
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