Article
Efficiency of robotic guided rehabilitation for children with upper limb impairment
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Authors
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Katja Groleger Sršen
- University Rehabilitation Institute of Republic Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Anja Snedic
- University Rehabilitation Institute of Republic Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| Published: | April 16, 2019 |
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Outline
Text
Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is commonly characterized by impaired upper limb function. One of the possibilities for the improvement of upper limb function in children with CP is robotic guided training program [1].
Aim: We wanted to determine what an impact could such a program have on the passive range of motion (ROM) in the joints of upper limb and its function.
Method: We included 39 children with unilateral form of CP, who were referred to rehabilitation programs. At the baseline assessment, we used SHAP [2], AHA test [3], grip power and ArmeoSpring activities related range of active movement (aROM) measurements to evaluate the upper limb function. Children (22 boys and 17 girls; mean age 8.9 years; SD 2,9) had at least 16 trainings in the period of two to four weeks. By the end of program, we were able to increase the difficulty of the tasks and reduce the help of robotic guidance during exercise. All measurements were repeated at the end of program and six months after the end of program.
Results/findings: At the end of program and at the follow-up we observed improved mean aROM and arm function (mean grip power: basal 4.3, end 5.3, after 6 months 6.2; SHAP: basal 48.0, end 52.7, after 6 months 58.7; AHA basal 58.5, end 61.8, after 6 months 64.1 points).
Discussion and conclusions: Results showed improvement arm and hands function after the training. Children retained better function after 6 months.
References
- 1.
- Meyer-Heim A, Van Hedel HJA. Robot-Assisted and Computer-Enhanced Therapies for Children with cerebral palsy: Curent State and Clinical Implementation. Seminars in Pediatric Neurology. 2013;20:139-45.
- 2.
- Rupnik Mihelčič S, Pihlar Z, Kyberd P, Burger H. Establishing normative data for the SHAP test in Slovenia. Rehabilitacija. 2014;13(2):4-9.
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- Groleger K, Korelc S, Brezovar D, Damjan H, Pihlar Z. The use of Assistive Hand Assessment measure: inter-rater reliability and internal consistency of the Slovene translation. 20th Annual Meeting of the EACD; 2008 Jun 5-7; Zagreb. 2008. p. 55.
