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A Pilot Study of Robot-assisted Therapy for Post-stroke Forearm and Wrist Rehabilitation Training

A Pilot Study of Robot-assisted Therapy for Post-stroke Forearm and Wrist Rehabilitation Training

Status
Completed
Phases
Phase 1
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT02274675
Enrollment
7
Registered
2014-10-24
Start date
2014-10-31
Completion date
2014-12-31
Last updated
2015-07-31

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Stroke

Keywords

Stroke, Robot-assisted therapy, Rehabilitation

Brief summary

A pilot study to assess the effectiveness of CR2-Haptic and determine the feasibility of including robotic therapy into the daily rehabilitation program.

Detailed description

The objective of this study is to clinically assess the effectiveness of CR2-Haptic and determine the feasibility of including robotic therapy into the daily rehabilitation program, and investigate the acceptance from patients and therapists. Total of 7 patients will be recruited in this study, all the patients will receive 1.5 hours of standard therapy together with 0.5 hour of robot therapy every day. The robot therapy will be a 30 mins long session for 3 to 5 days per week over a period of six weeks. The study will include forearm pronation-supination and wrist flexion-extension training.

Interventions

DEVICERobot-assisted therapy for wrist and forearm

Robot therapy by using a single degree reconfigurable robot to train for wrist and forearm rehabilitation training.

Standard therapy of stroke rehabilitation including speech, physical, occupational therapies and group activities

Sponsors

National Stroke Association of Malaysia (NASAM)
CollaboratorUNKNOWN
Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science and Technology Center (CREST)
CollaboratorUNKNOWN
Ministry of Higher Education (Lab2Market)
CollaboratorUNKNOWN
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 90 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Sub-acute and chronic stroke patients * Able to rest comfortable in training set-up * Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) Score (\>21) * Motor Assessment Scale (Balance sitting \>3) * Modified Ashworth Scale (Wrist \< 2)

Exclusion criteria

* Contractures in affected upper extremity which inhibit movements being tested

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Motor Impairment of Wrist and ForearmMotor impairment of wrist and forearm at week 6Introduction: Motor impairment of the upper limb is measured by the means of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale that are related to wrist and forearm component. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) is a stroke-specific, performance-based impairment index. Scores: With the component of upper extremity (max 4 scores), wrist (max 10 scores), passive joint motion (max 8 scores) and joint pain (max 8 scores), the total or maximum scores is the sum of all the component which is 30 and the minimum is 0. The score for a normal person is 30 scores. The higher the score indicates the better the condition of the subject. Procedure: The procedure is done according to the standard guideline of this assessment scale.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Spasticity Level of WristSpasticity level of wrist at week 6Introduction: The spasticity level of wrist is measured by using Modified Ashworth Scale. It measures resistance during passive soft-tissue stretching. This measure will only measure the wrist component, as forearm component is not included in this scale. Scoring: The total or maximum scores for the subscale is 4 and the minimum is 0 score. Higher scores indicates the higher the tone, lower score indicates less tone. 0 score indicates normal tone and no increase in tone, while 4 scores indicate affected part rigid in flexion or extension. All the scores will be summed. Procedure: The measuring procedure starts by holding the elbow as straight as possible at forearm pronated. Then, the patient's wrist is moved from maximum possible flexion to maximum possible extension. The test is performed up tp maximum of 3 times to avoid the influence of the effect of stretch.
Forearm's Active Range of MovementActive range of motion of forearm at week 6Introduction: Forearm's active range of motion (AROM) is a measurement to identify how far the person's joints range can move in pronation-supination by moving with their own effort. Scores: The score is measured in terms of angular degree, where the higher the degree of motion the better the person condition. The normalized AROM for normal forearm pronation-supination is about 157 angular degree, a person who is able to achieve or over this range consider normal or in good condition in this study. The minimum angular degree will be 0. Procedure: The forearm AROM will be measured by using the CR2-Haptic robot, where the subject will hold the handle at forearm, subject will be guided to sit upright with shoulder abducted at 30-60' and elbow flexed at 90-120' supported by an adjustable arm rest with strap and the subject will move their forearm to maximum range in both direction. The moving range will be recorded by the robot and stored as report in its software.
Motor Function Assessment of Hand MovementMotor function of hand function at week 6Introduction: Motor function that are related to wrist and forearm are measured using the Motor Assessment Scale. The Motor Assessment Scale (MAS) is a performance-based scale that was developed as a means of assessing everyday motor function in patients with stroke. In MAS, task 1 and 3 in the hand movement sub-component assessment were accessed (MAS-Hand), as the two task is the most related component to the tested movement. Score: The total or maximum scores is 2, and minimum scores is 0. In this scale, the higher the score indicates the better the condition of the subject. The score for a healthy person is 2. Procedure: The procedure is done according to the standard guideline of this assessment scale.
Wrist's Passive Range of MotionPassive range of motion of wrist at week 6Introduction: Wrist's passive range of motion (PROM) is a measurement to identify how far the person's joints range can move in flexion-extension directed by a person manually. Scores: The score is measured in terms of angular degree, where the higher the degree of motion the better the person condition. The total normalized PROM for normal wrist flexion-extension is about 164 angular degree, a person who is able to achieve or over this range consider normal or in good condition in this study. The minimum angular degree is 0. Procedure: The wrist PROM will be measured by using the CR2-Haptic robot, where the subject will hold the handle, subject will be guided to sit upright with shoulder abducted at 30-60' and elbow flexed at 90-120' supported by an adjustable arm rest with strap and the wrist will be moved manually by the therapist to access the passive range of motion. The moving range will be recorded by the robot and store as report in its software.
Wrist's Active Range of MotionActive range of motion of wrist at week 6Introduction: Wrist's active range of motion (AROM) is a measurement to identify how far the person's joints range can move in by moving with their own effort. Scores: The score is measured in terms of angular degree, where the higher the degree of motion the better the person condition. The total normalized AROM for normal wrist flexion-extension is about 144 angular degree, a person who is able to achieve or over this range consider normal or in good condition in this study. The minimum angular degree is 0. Procedure: The wrist's AROM will be measured by using the CR2-Haptic robot, where the subject will hold the handle at forearm, subject will be guided to sit upright with shoulder abducted at 30-60' and elbow flexed at 90-120' supported by an adjustable arm rest with strap and the subject will move their wrist to maximum range in both direction. The moving range will be recorded by the robot and stored as report in its software.
Forearm's Passive Range of MotionPassive range of motion of forearm at week 6Introduction: Forearm's passive range of motion (PROM) is a measurement to identify how far the person's joints range can move in pronation-supination directed by a person manually. Scores: The score is measured in terms of angular degree, where the higher the degree of motion the better the person condition.The normalized forearm pronation-supination is about 169 angular degree, a person who is able to achieve or over this range is considered normal or in good condition in this study. The minimum angular degree is 0. Procedure: The forearm PROM will be measured by using the CR2-Haptic robot, where the subject will hold the handle at forearm, subject will be guided to sit upright with shoulder abducted at 30-60' and elbow flexed at 90-120' supported by an adjustable arm rest with strap and the forearm will be moved manually by the therapist to access the passive range of motion. The moving range will be recorded by the robot and stored as report in its software.

Countries

Malaysia

Participant flow

Recruitment details

The recruitment started on 1st June 2014 for 4 months duration in a stroke rehabilitation centre.

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Robot Group
Receive 0.5 hour of robot-assisted therapy for wrist and forearm and 1.5 hours of daily standard rehabilitation therapy Robot-assisted therapy for wrist and forearm: Robot therapy by using a single degree reconfigurable robot to train for wrist and forearm rehabilitation training. Standard rehabilitation therapy: Standard therapy of stroke rehabilitation including speech, physical, occupational therapies and group activities
7
Total7

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicRobot Group
Age, Categorical
<=18 years
0 Participants
Age, Categorical
>=65 years
1 Participants
Age, Categorical
Between 18 and 65 years
6 Participants
Age, Continuous59.4 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.3
Forearm's Active Range of Movement76.29 Angular degree
STANDARD_DEVIATION 52.37
Forearm's Passive Range of Motion168.57 Angular degree
STANDARD_DEVIATION 12.19
Motor Function Assessment of Hand Movement0.29 Scores
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.76
Motor Impairment of Wrist and Forearm20.29 Scores
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.86
Sex: Female, Male
Female
2 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
5 Participants
Spasticity Level of Wrist1 Scores
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.82
Wrist's Active Range of Motion64.14 Angular degree
STANDARD_DEVIATION 45.86
Wrist's Passive Range of Motion121.57 Angular degree
STANDARD_DEVIATION 14.55

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
— / —
other
Total, other adverse events
0 / 7
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 7

Outcome results

Primary

Motor Impairment of Wrist and Forearm

Introduction: Motor impairment of the upper limb is measured by the means of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale that are related to wrist and forearm component. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) is a stroke-specific, performance-based impairment index. Scores: With the component of upper extremity (max 4 scores), wrist (max 10 scores), passive joint motion (max 8 scores) and joint pain (max 8 scores), the total or maximum scores is the sum of all the component which is 30 and the minimum is 0. The score for a normal person is 30 scores. The higher the score indicates the better the condition of the subject. Procedure: The procedure is done according to the standard guideline of this assessment scale.

Time frame: Motor impairment of wrist and forearm at week 6

Population: Stroke subjects in rehabilitation centre.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Robot GroupMotor Impairment of Wrist and Forearm23.57 ScoresStandard Deviation 6.58
Secondary

Forearm's Active Range of Movement

Introduction: Forearm's active range of motion (AROM) is a measurement to identify how far the person's joints range can move in pronation-supination by moving with their own effort. Scores: The score is measured in terms of angular degree, where the higher the degree of motion the better the person condition. The normalized AROM for normal forearm pronation-supination is about 157 angular degree, a person who is able to achieve or over this range consider normal or in good condition in this study. The minimum angular degree will be 0. Procedure: The forearm AROM will be measured by using the CR2-Haptic robot, where the subject will hold the handle at forearm, subject will be guided to sit upright with shoulder abducted at 30-60' and elbow flexed at 90-120' supported by an adjustable arm rest with strap and the subject will move their forearm to maximum range in both direction. The moving range will be recorded by the robot and stored as report in its software.

Time frame: Active range of motion of forearm at week 6

Population: Stroke subjects in rehabilitation centre.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Robot GroupForearm's Active Range of Movement134.71 Angular degreeStandard Deviation 31.34
Secondary

Forearm's Passive Range of Motion

Introduction: Forearm's passive range of motion (PROM) is a measurement to identify how far the person's joints range can move in pronation-supination directed by a person manually. Scores: The score is measured in terms of angular degree, where the higher the degree of motion the better the person condition.The normalized forearm pronation-supination is about 169 angular degree, a person who is able to achieve or over this range is considered normal or in good condition in this study. The minimum angular degree is 0. Procedure: The forearm PROM will be measured by using the CR2-Haptic robot, where the subject will hold the handle at forearm, subject will be guided to sit upright with shoulder abducted at 30-60' and elbow flexed at 90-120' supported by an adjustable arm rest with strap and the forearm will be moved manually by the therapist to access the passive range of motion. The moving range will be recorded by the robot and stored as report in its software.

Time frame: Passive range of motion of forearm at week 6

Population: Stroke subjects in rehabilitation centre.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Robot GroupForearm's Passive Range of Motion180 Angular degreeStandard Deviation 0
Secondary

Motor Function Assessment of Hand Movement

Introduction: Motor function that are related to wrist and forearm are measured using the Motor Assessment Scale. The Motor Assessment Scale (MAS) is a performance-based scale that was developed as a means of assessing everyday motor function in patients with stroke. In MAS, task 1 and 3 in the hand movement sub-component assessment were accessed (MAS-Hand), as the two task is the most related component to the tested movement. Score: The total or maximum scores is 2, and minimum scores is 0. In this scale, the higher the score indicates the better the condition of the subject. The score for a healthy person is 2. Procedure: The procedure is done according to the standard guideline of this assessment scale.

Time frame: Motor function of hand function at week 6

Population: Stroke subjects in rehabilitation centre.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Robot GroupMotor Function Assessment of Hand Movement1.14 ScoresStandard Deviation 1.07
Secondary

Spasticity Level of Wrist

Introduction: The spasticity level of wrist is measured by using Modified Ashworth Scale. It measures resistance during passive soft-tissue stretching. This measure will only measure the wrist component, as forearm component is not included in this scale. Scoring: The total or maximum scores for the subscale is 4 and the minimum is 0 score. Higher scores indicates the higher the tone, lower score indicates less tone. 0 score indicates normal tone and no increase in tone, while 4 scores indicate affected part rigid in flexion or extension. All the scores will be summed. Procedure: The measuring procedure starts by holding the elbow as straight as possible at forearm pronated. Then, the patient's wrist is moved from maximum possible flexion to maximum possible extension. The test is performed up tp maximum of 3 times to avoid the influence of the effect of stretch.

Time frame: Spasticity level of wrist at week 6

Population: Stroke subjects in rehabilitation centre.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Robot GroupSpasticity Level of Wrist0.57 ScoresStandard Deviation 0.79
Secondary

Wrist's Active Range of Motion

Introduction: Wrist's active range of motion (AROM) is a measurement to identify how far the person's joints range can move in by moving with their own effort. Scores: The score is measured in terms of angular degree, where the higher the degree of motion the better the person condition. The total normalized AROM for normal wrist flexion-extension is about 144 angular degree, a person who is able to achieve or over this range consider normal or in good condition in this study. The minimum angular degree is 0. Procedure: The wrist's AROM will be measured by using the CR2-Haptic robot, where the subject will hold the handle at forearm, subject will be guided to sit upright with shoulder abducted at 30-60' and elbow flexed at 90-120' supported by an adjustable arm rest with strap and the subject will move their wrist to maximum range in both direction. The moving range will be recorded by the robot and stored as report in its software.

Time frame: Active range of motion of wrist at week 6

Population: Stroke subjects in rehabilitation centre.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Robot GroupWrist's Active Range of Motion100.14 Angular degreeStandard Deviation 26.23
Secondary

Wrist's Passive Range of Motion

Introduction: Wrist's passive range of motion (PROM) is a measurement to identify how far the person's joints range can move in flexion-extension directed by a person manually. Scores: The score is measured in terms of angular degree, where the higher the degree of motion the better the person condition. The total normalized PROM for normal wrist flexion-extension is about 164 angular degree, a person who is able to achieve or over this range consider normal or in good condition in this study. The minimum angular degree is 0. Procedure: The wrist PROM will be measured by using the CR2-Haptic robot, where the subject will hold the handle, subject will be guided to sit upright with shoulder abducted at 30-60' and elbow flexed at 90-120' supported by an adjustable arm rest with strap and the wrist will be moved manually by the therapist to access the passive range of motion. The moving range will be recorded by the robot and store as report in its software.

Time frame: Passive range of motion of wrist at week 6

Population: Stroke subjects in rehabilitation centre.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Robot GroupWrist's Passive Range of Motion132 Angular degreeStandard Deviation 26.39

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026