Robot-assisted Tai Chi for upper-limb recovery after stroke

Robot-Assisted Tai Chi for Upper Limb Rehabilitation in Post-Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial on Motor Recovery

This program will test whether robot-guided Tai Chi arm exercises help people who have had a stroke regain movement in their affected arm better than standard rehabilitation.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 120 (estimated)
• Ages: 40 Years to 80 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (other)
• Locations: 2 sites (Fuzhou, Fujian and 1 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT06897631 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized interventional study assigns people with recent unilateral stroke to either robot-assisted Tai Chi arm training or conventional rehabilitation. The robot-assisted group performs guided Tai Chi arm movements with robotic support to improve coordination and strength, while the control group does standard exercises such as stretching and repetitive task practice. Both groups receive 60-minute sessions five days a week for four weeks, with clinical outcomes measured by scales like the Fugl–Meyer Assessment and safety monitoring. The study will also explore neuromuscular mechanisms underlying any observed changes using physiological measures.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 40–80 with a first-ever unilateral stroke within 12 months, a Fugl–Meyer upper-extremity score of 8–44, able to sit for sessions and able to give informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairment, high spasticity (modified Ashworth Scale >2), significant shoulder pain, severe aphasia, major visual problems preventing robot use, moderate-to-severe depression, other neuromuscular disorders, or symptoms beyond 12 months since onset may not receive benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could speed recovery of arm movement and improve daily functioning after stroke.

How similar studies have performed: Separate studies have shown benefits from robot-assisted upper-limb therapy and from Tai Chi–based exercises, but combining guided Tai Chi with a robotic device is relatively novel and has limited direct evidence.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosed with stroke confirmed by neuroimaging (CT/MRI).
2. Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity score of 8-44.
3. First-ever stroke, with unilateral hemiplegia and time since onset ≤12 months.
4. Aged 40-80 years, regardless of gender.
5. Voluntarily participated and provided written informed consent. Participants meeting all above criteria were enrolled.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Severe cognitive impairment (Montreal Cognitive Assessment score \<10).
2. Poor sitting balance (\< Grade 2) or inability to maintain seated position for \>60 minutes.
3. Hypertonia (modified Ashworth Scale score \>2 in affected limb).
4. Significant hemiplegic shoulder pain (Visual Analogue Scale \>3).
5. Severe aphasia (Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination score \<3).
6. Severe visual impairment precluding robot-assisted upper limb training.
7. Moderate-to-severe depression (17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score \>17).
8. Pre-existing neuromuscular disorders, active malignancies, or uncontrolled systemic diseases (cardiac, renal, hepatic).
9. Concurrent participation in other clinical trials affecting study outcomes. Participants meeting any of the above criteria were excluded.

Where this trial is running

Fuzhou, Fujian and 1 other locations

• Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine — Fuzhou, Fujian, China (RECRUITING)
• The Third People's Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine — Fuzhou, Fujian, China (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Jingsong Wu

Conditions: Stroke, stroke, upper limb, robot, tai chi, motor function