Robot-Assisted Upper Limb Training for Hemiplegic Children with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess quantitatively the effects of a computer-assisted system (ARMEO Spring system) to improve upper extremity function in hemiplegic children due to Cerebral Palsy (CP), by means of clinical-functional scales and upper limb kinematics. Twenty-one children with hemiplegia were clinically assessed with Quality of Upper Extremities Skills Test and Melbourne Assessment and instrumentally by 3D movement analysis during reaching task. Data were collected before and after 4 weeks of treatment with the ARMEO Spring system. A control group of 15 healthy children was included as reference. After the ARMEO Spring training, the clinical scores improved significantly. In terms of kinematics, the affected limbs improved in terms of the movement duration and velocity, smoothness (Average Jerk) and Number of Movement Unit parameters. From these results, the ARMEO Spring training seems to be a promising intervention for improving upper limb function in hemiplegic children.