Combination of Exoskeletal Upper Limb Robot and Occupational Therapy Improve Activities of Daily Living Function in Acute Stroke Patients

Purpose: Previous studies have suggested that upper limb rehabilitation using therapeutic robots improves motor function of stroke patients. However, the effect of upper limb robotic rehabilitation on improving functioning in activities of daily living (ADL) remains unclear. The present study aimed to determine whether upper limb rehabilitation using single joint Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL-SJ) affects ADL function and the use of a hemiparetic arm in ADLs of acute stroke patients. Materials and Methods: Twelve acute stroke patients participated in the study and were randomly divided into group A or group B. The patients in group A followed an A-B-A-B design and those in group B followed a B-A-B-A design. The patients received combination HAL-SJ and occupational therapy during A and conventional occupational therapy during B. Results: Upper limb motor function and ADLs, in particular, dressing the upper body, were improved during combination HAL-SJ and occupational therapy. Interestingly, the use of a hemiparetic arm in daily life evaluated using the motor activity log was also significantly improved during A in group A. Conclusions: Combination HAL-SJ and occupational therapy affects ADL function and real use of a hemiparetic arm in the daily life of acute stroke patients.