The use of a shoulder robot to treat arm disability and pain in patients with stroke

This study investigated the effectiveness of a shoulder robot to treat arm disability in patients with stroke. Researchers suggested that this robot improved shoulder pain and disability in these patients.

Shoulder pain is a serious complication after stroke. Around 30% of patients with stroke experience shoulder pain. Physical therapy is the standard treatment for this complication. This mainly comprises joint mobilization (decrease shoulder movement) and stretching exercises.

The use of robots in this therapy has been increasing. These robotic arms are connected to a motor that starts the robot movements. Prior studies have shown improvements in movement control and muscle strength in the affected arm. However, it is still not clear how a robot rehabilitation program could affect the treatment of pain in these patients.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of an arm robot to treat shoulder pain in patients with stroke.

This study included information about 38 patients. Patients were assigned to receive standard therapy or robot therapy. Both groups received standard therapy twice per day, followed by robot therapy only in the robot group. Patients in the robot therapy group received this treatment for 30 minutes per day, 5 times per week for 4 weeks.

Patients were followed-up before the therapy, immediately after the therapy and 4 weeks after the therapy. Greater improvements in pain and movement were seen in the robot therapy group when compared with the standard therapy group. The same improvements were seen at the 4-weeks follow-up. No side effects were reported during the therapy period.

This study concluded that robotic therapy is associated with improved shoulder pain and movement in patients with stroke.

This study included a limited number of participants. Larger studies are needed for stronger evidence.