Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Wearable
devices based on inertial measurement units through wireless sensor
networks have many applications such as real-time motion monitoring and
functional outcome assessment of stroke rehabilitation. However,
additional investigations are warranted to validate their clinical
value, particularly in detecting the synergy patterns of movements after
stroke.
AIM:
To
explore the feasibility and efficacy of wearable devices for upper limb
rehabilitation in patients with chronic stroke and to compare the
intervention effects (e.g., neurological recovery, active range of
motion, and deviation angle) with those in a control group.
DESIGN:
A single-blind, randomized-controlled pilot study.
SETTING:
Rehabilitation ward.
METHODS:
A
total of 18 patients with chronic stroke were randomly distributed into
a device group and control group. Both groups received conventional
rehabilitation; nevertheless, the device group was additionally
subjected to 15 daily sessions at least three times a week for 5 weeks.
The outcome measures included the upper extremity subscores of the
Fugl-Meyer assessment, active range of motion, and deviation angle.
These measurements were performed pre- and post-treatment.
RESULTS:
All
five Fugl-Meyer assessment subscores improved in both the device and
control groups after intervention; in particular, the
"shoulder/elbow/forearm" subscore (p = 0.02, 0.03) and "total score" (p =
0.03, 0.03) substantially improved. The active range of motion of
shoulder flexion and abduction substantially improved at pre-post
treatment in both the device (p = 0.02, 0.03) and control (p = 0.02,
0.03) groups. The deviation angle of shoulder external rotation during
shoulder abduction substantially improved in the device group (p =
0.02), but not in the control group.
CONCLUSIONS:
The designed wearable devices are practical and efficient for use in chronic patients with stroke.
CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT:
Wearable
devices are expected to be useful for future internet-of-things
rehabilitation clinical trials at home and in long-term care
institutions.
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