Robot-assisted Rehabilitation of Hand by Paralysis of the Upper Limb After Stroke

Robot-assisted Rehabilitation of Hand by Paralysis of the Upper Limb After Stroke

The investigators evaluate the effectiveness of the application of continuous passive motion device for hand rehabilitation in two classes of patients: with a residual active motion and without a residual active motion.

We will conduct a double blind clinical trial. A sample size calculation were performed to determine the necessary number of subjects needed for this study and was based upon the results of a previous pilot study. All patients had functional impairments of their upper extremities after the stroke.

We hypothesized that the hand-rehabilitation oriented with robotics assistance, would improve edema by paralysis of the upper limb even in patient without sensory pathway recovery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• a history of acute phase of stroke (less than 12 months post onset),
• first stroke episode,
• no history of peripheral nerve injury or musculoskeletal disease in the affected upper extremity,
• no contracture of the affected wrist or fingers (Modified Ashworth<3),
• no history of any invasive procedure (Botulinum toxin type A) for the treatment of spasticity for at least 6 months before the start of this study,
• for P-ROM patients, the absence of active hand movements,
• for the A-ROM patients, the presence of active hand movements.

Exclusion Criteria:

• unstable medical disorders,
• active Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS),
• severe spatial neglect,
• aphasia,
• cognitive problems.