The Effects of Exoskeleton Robotic Training Device on Upper Extremity in Brain Injury Patients

The Effects of the EMG-driven Exoskeleton Hand Robotic Training Device on Upper Extremity Motor and Physiological Function, Daily Functions, Quality of Life and Self-efficacy in Brain Injury Patients

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of the EMG-driven exoskeleton hand robotic training device on upper extremity motor and physiological function, daily functions, quality of life and self-efficacy in brain injury patients.

The purpose of this study was to 1) examine the effects of EMG-driven robot-assisted intervention, and 2) examine whether the robot-assisted therapy is as effective as conventional intervention. The study was conducted using a randomized, two-period crossover design. Participants were randomly assigned to group 1 or group 2 using a computer-generated list. Participants in group 1 received 12 sessions of robot-assisted intervention first, followed by a one-month washout period, and then received 12 sessions of conventional intervention. Participants in group 2 received 12 sessions of conventional intervention first, followed by a one-month washout period, and then received 12 sessions of robot-assisted intervention. Outcome measures were performed before the intervention, after the first 12-session intervention, and after the second 12-session intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. unilateral stroke ≥ 3 months prior to study enrollment
2. Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) score <60
3. without excessive spasticity in any of the UE joint (modified Ashworth scale ≤3)
4. Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) score > 24, indicating no serious cognitive impairment
5. between the ages of 20 and 75 years.

Exclusion criteria:

1. histories of other neurological diseases such as dementia and peripheral polyneuropathy
2. difficulties in following and understanding instructions such as global aphasia
3. enroll in other rehabilitation or drug studies simultaneously
4. receiving Botulinum toxin injections within 3 months.