Robot-assisted arm training improves arm muscle strength and motor function after strokes

This meta-analysis (an analysis of data combined from several similar trials) examined whether robot-assisted arm training could accelerate motor recovery as part of rehabilitation after stroke.

More than half of stroke survivors continue to experience reduced arm function due to nerve damage. This can restrict patients’ activities of daily living (ADL), and impair the quality of life. Since standard rehabilitation requires intensive and repetitive long-term efforts, many patients cannot persevere, and as a result achieve limited improvement in ADL. This is probably one of the reasons that standard rehabilitation has shown only a modest benefit in the recovery of motor function in studies.

Electromechanical and robot-assisted arm training uses specialized machines to support arm movements, thus facilitating the exertion during rehabilitation. However, the role of these devices in improving arm function after strokes has not been thoroughly investigated so far.

19 trials, including a total of 666 patients, were reviewed in this analysis. Results showed that electromechanical and robot-assisted arm training did improve motor recovery compared to standard methods. Both the ability to perform ADL, as well as arm function, improved significantly with electromechanical and robot-assisted arm training. However, no benefit to the recovery of arm muscle strength was seen.

In addition, adverse events were rare with robot-assisted training, and the rate of patient drop-out was identical to that of standard rehabilitation.

This analysis concluded that patients receiving electromechanical and robot-assisted arm training after a stroke experience better motor recovery, and are more likely to improve their activities of daily living.

This analysis included several different trials, with substantial variations in the frequency and methods of training received, the duration of the trial, and patients' characteristics. This creates a probable bias in the reported results.

If you suffer motor disabilities following a stroke, discuss with your physician the possibility of implementing electromechanical and robot-assisted arm training in the rehab program.