Upper limb rehabilitation using a robotic arm for stroke patients

Effect on Upper Limb Training Using Rehabilitation Robot With Human-Computer Interaction Game Interface for Stroke Patients

This study tests if a robotic arm can help stroke patients regain movement in their arms more effectively during rehabilitation.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 68 (estimated)
• Ages: 20 Years to 85 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: National Taiwan University Hospital (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Taipei)
• Trial ID: NCT06113380 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the NTUH-ii robotic arm in assisting upper limb rehabilitation for stroke patients. The robot is designed to perform rehabilitation tasks such as elbow and shoulder movements, utilizing sensors to detect patients' motion intentions. By integrating these technologies, the study aims to enhance rehabilitation outcomes while reducing the workload on therapists. Participants will engage in both passive and active rehabilitation modes, guided by the robot's capabilities.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are first-time stroke patients with unilateral hemiplegia, who are between 2 weeks and 2 years post-stroke and can follow simple instructions.

Not a fit: Patients who are not fully conscious, have severe cognitive impairments, or other medical conditions that prevent safe participation will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve rehabilitation outcomes for stroke patients, leading to better recovery of upper limb function.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies utilizing robotic rehabilitation have shown promising results, indicating that this approach is both relevant and potentially effective.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. First-time stroke, occurring between 2 weeks and 2 years after onset, resulting in unilateral hemiplegia.
2. Able to understand and follow simple instructions.
3. Able to maintain a sitting posture balance.
4. Rank on the Brunnstrom Scale is between two and five.
5. Both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes are included.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Not yet fully conscious.
2. Suffering from a psychiatric disorder or post-stroke psychiatric abnormalities.
3. Cognitive or behavioral impairments that affect the ability to comprehend or execute the experimental tasks.
4. Severe aphasia preventing compliance with researchers' instructions for this study.
5. Medical conditions in internal medicine that jeopardize patient safety, such as severe heart or lung diseases, or patients requiring bed rest.
6. Patients with a severe systemic illness requiring bed rest.
7. Patients with shoulder joint pathology unable to undergo exercise therapy.
8. Patients with severe osteoporosis who have concerns about fractures during physical activity.
9. Patients with arrhythmia and implanted cardiac pacemakers.
10. Severe uncontrolled seizures that cannot be improved with medication, physical therapy, botulinum toxin injections, or phenol block procedures.

Where this trial is running

Taipei

• National Taiwan University Hospital — Taipei, Taiwan (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Meng Ting Lin, M.D.

Conditions: Stroke, Rehabilitation