The efficacy of robot-assisted training for patients with upper limb amputations who use myoelectric prostheses: a randomized controlled pilot study

Aydin T., Kesiktas F. N., Akbulut Y. D., corum M., ones K., Kizilkurt T., ...More

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REHABILITATION RESEARCH, vol.45, no.1, pp.39-46, 2022 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 45 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2022
  • Doi Number: 10.1097/mrr.0000000000000506
  • Journal Name: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REHABILITATION RESEARCH
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, CINAHL, Compendex, EBSCO Education Source, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Psycinfo, Sociological abstracts
  • Page Numbers: pp.39-46
  • Keywords: exercise, myoelectric prosthesis, rehabilitation of prosthesis user, upper limb prosthetic
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The aim of this pilot study was to investigate whether a movement therapy robot can improve skills in using a myoelectric prosthesis by patients with upper limb amputations. This prospective randomized, controlled study included a total of eleven patients with upper limb amputations who use myoelectric prostheses. The patients were randomized into a robot-assisted exercise group (n = 6) and a control group (n = 5). The robot group received robot-assisted training. No training program was provided to the control group. The outcome measure was kinematic data (A-goal hand-path ratio, A-goal deviation, A-goal instability and A-move) evaluated by the Armeo (R) Spring movement therapy robot. Significant improvements were noted in the A-goal hand-path ratio; A-goal deviation and A-goal instability in the robot group after treatment while compared with control group. No significant changes in A-move scores. We concluded that robot-assisted training may improve myoelectric prosthesis use skills in patients with upper limb amputation.