Robotic-assisted hand therapy for improvement of hand function in children with cerebral palsy: a case series study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Most types of robot-assisted training (RT) have been used in Cerebral Palsy (CP) patients only focus on proximal upper extremity. Few of study investigated the effect of distal upper extremity training. CASE REPORT: Pediatric CP patients (N.=7) participated the RT sessions for 6 weeks (12 60-min sessions 2 times a week). Performance was assessed at 3 time points (pretest, posttest, and 1-month follow-up). RT significantly improved in body structure and function domains: FMA-UE scores (P=0.002). On electromyography, significant improvements in the mean brachioradialis muscle amplitude (P=0.015) and electrical agonist-antagonist muscle ratio (P=0.041) in the 1-inch cube-grasping task. The effects were maintained after 1 month. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: RT using a Gloreha device which focuses on the distal part of the upper limb benefit on body structure and function, including upper-extremity motor function, brachioradialis muscle recruitment, and coordination in children with cerebral palsy.