Research article summary (published 30 Oct 2009):

Robot-based rehabilitation of the upper limbs in multiple sclerosis: feasibility and preliminary results.

Full Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To make a preliminary evaluation of the feasibility of a robot-based rehabilitation protocol for the improvement of upper limb motor co-ordination in a group of patients with multiple sclerosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seven patients with multiple sclerosis underwent a training protocol of 8 sessions. During each session patients performed reaching movements toward virtual targets presented on a screen, by moving the handle of a robot, which generated resistive and disturbing forces. Each subject was evaluated before and after the treatment by means of clinical and instrumental tests. RESULTS: After the 8-session treatment, all patients significantly improved the velocity, linearity and smoothness of their reaching movements. Moreover, this amelioration was also present in other kinds of movement, not executed during the sessions. Results on the Nine-Hole Peg Test showed a clinically relevant improvement in the treated arm of 4 out of 7 patients, suggesting also a transfer of the therapy effect to tasks more related to activities of daily living. CONCLUSION: The preliminary results of this pilot study suggest that robot therapy can be applied to patients with multiple sclerosis in a clinical setting and may be beneficial for reduction of the upper limb motor co-ordination deficit.

Author information

Author/s: Carpinella, Ilaria (I); Cattaneo, Davide (D); Abuarqub, Suha (S); Ferrarin, Maurizio (M);

Affiliation: Polo Tecnologico, Fond. Don C., Gnocchi Onlus, Via Capecelatro 66, IT-20148 Milan, Italy. icarpinella(-atsign-)dongnocchi.it

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Journal of rehabilitation medicine : official journal of the UEMS European Board of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (J Rehabil Med), published in Sweden. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Nov; vol 41 (issue 12) : pp 966-70

Dates: Created 2009/10/20; Completed 2009/10/27;

PMID: 19841825, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/27/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Activities of Daily Living Adult Feasibility Studies Female Humans Male Middle Aged

Motor Activity - physiology Multiple Sclerosis - physiopathology; rehabilitation Pilot Projects Psychomotor Performance - physiology Robotics Treatment Outcome Upper Extremity - physiopathology

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