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

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.