Robotic-assisted Upper Extremity Training in Spinal Cord Injury Patients

Robotic-assisted Upper Extremity Training in Spinal Cord Injury Patients

Study design: Controlled Trial Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of robotic-assisted training of forearm and hand functions in spinal cord injury patients Setting: Ankara Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital, Turkey Methods: Forty patients were allocated into robotic and control groups. Both groups received conventional rehabilitation program for four weeks. Moreover, robotic group received robotic rehabilitation program tailored to the patient five times a week (each session of 30 min).

Baseline data and post-intervention data was compared.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages between 18-50
• Cervical Level of Spinal Cord Injury

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe upper extremity contractures in the joints
• Intensive spasticity (Ashworth 3-4)
• Shoulder pain that causes exercise intolerance