HoMEcare aRm rehabiLItatioN (MERLIN): Telerehabilitation using an unactuated device based on serious games improves the upper limb function in chronic stroke

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 HoMEcare aRm rehabiLItatioN (MERLIN): Telerehabilitation using an unactuated device based on serious games improves the upper limb function in chronic stroke

Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation , Volume 18(48)

NARIC Accession Number: J86076.  What's this?
ISSN: 1743-0003.
Author(s): Rozevink, Samantha G. ; van der Sluis, Corry K. ; Garzo, Ainara ; Keller, Thierry ; Hijmans, Juha M..
Publication Year: 2021.
Number of Pages: 12.

Abstract: 

Study investigated the effect of HoMEcare aRm rehabiLItatioN (MERLIN) training on the upper-limb function of patients with unilateral upper-limb paresis in the chronic phase of stroke (more than 6 months post stroke). MERLIN is an unactuated version of the robotic device ArmAssist combined with a telecare platform. Stroke patients can train the upper-limb function using serious games at home. In this study, patients trained using task-specific serious games at home for three hours per week for six weeks using an unactuated version of a robotic device. Progress was monitored and game settings were tailored through telerehabilitation. Measurements were performed six weeks pre-intervention, at the start, end, and six weeks post-intervention. Primary outcome was the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT). Secondary outcomes were other arm function tests, quality of life, user satisfaction and motivation. Twelve patients were included, ten completed the training. From start of the intervention to six weeks follow-up, WMFT score improved significantly by 3.8 points, which is also clinically relevant. No significant changes in quality of life were observed. Patients were overall satisfied with the usability of the device. Comfort and the robustness of the system need further improvements. Findings indicate that training with MERLIN for six weeks improved the arm function of patients in the chronic phase of stroke with lasting results six weeks after training cessation. Training at home was feasible and patients were satisfied with the usability of MERLIN system.
Descriptor Terms: COMPUTER APPLICATIONS, HEMIPLEGIA, HOME CARE, LIMBS, MOTOR SKILLS, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, REHABILITATION TECHNOLOGY, ROBOTICS, STROKE, TASK ANALYSIS, TELEREHABILITATION, TESTS, THERAPEUTIC TRAINING.


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Citation: Rozevink, Samantha G. , van der Sluis, Corry K. , Garzo, Ainara , Keller, Thierry , Hijmans, Juha M.. (2021). HoMEcare aRm rehabiLItatioN (MERLIN): Telerehabilitation using an unactuated device based on serious games improves the upper limb function in chronic stroke.  Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation , 18(48) Retrieved 5/18/2021, from REHABDATA database.