The Berlin bimanual test for stroke survivors (BeBiT-S): evaluating exoskeleton-assisted bimanual motor function after stroke

 With NO rehab protocols to fix problems after this 'evaluation'; COMPLETELY FUCKING USELESS! Does no one in stroke know how to think?

The Berlin bimanual test for stroke survivors (BeBiT-S): evaluating exoskeleton-assisted bimanual motor function after stroke

• Mareike Vermehren,
• Annalisa Colucci,
• Cornelius Angerhöfer,
• Niels Peekhaus,
• Won-Seok Kim,
• Won Kee Chang,
• Hyunji Kim,
• Volker Hömberg,
• Nam-Jong Paik &
• Surjo R. Soekadar 

We are providing an unedited version of this manuscript to give early access to its findings. Before final publication, the manuscript will undergo further editing. Please note there may be errors present which affect the content, and all legal disclaimers apply.

Abstract

Background

Brain/neural hand exoskeletons (B/NHEs) can restore motor function after severe stroke, enabling bimanual tasks critical for various activities of daily living. Yet, reliable clinical tests for assessing bimanual function compatible with B/NHEs are lacking. Here, we introduce the Berlin Bimanual Test for Stroke (BeBiT-S), a 10-task assessment focused on everyday bimanual activities, and evaluate its psychometric properties as well as compatibility with assistive technologies such as B/NHEs.

Methods

BeBiT-S tasks were selected based on their relevance to daily activities, representation of various grasp types, and compatibility with current (neuro-)prosthetic devices. A scoring system was developed to assess key aspects of bimanual function—including reaching, grasping, stabilizing, manipulating, and lifting—based on video recordings of task performance. The BeBiT-S was administered without support of assistive technology (unassisted condition) to 24 stroke survivors (mean age = 56.5 years; 9 female) with upper-limb hemiparesis. We evaluated interrater reliability through the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and construct validity through correlations with the Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory (CAHAI), and Stroke Impact Scale (SIS). A subgroup of 15 stroke survivors (mean age 50.3 years, 5 female) completed a second session supported by a B/NHE (B/NHE-assisted condition) to assess the BeBiT-S’ sensitivity to change related to B/NHE-application.

Results

The BeBiT-S demonstrated high interrater reliability in both the unassisted (ICC = 0.985, P < .001) and B/NHE-assisted (ICC = 0.862, P < .001) conditions. Unassisted BeBiT-S scores correlated with the CAHAI-8 (r(22) = 0.95, P < .001) and the SIS subscales “strength” (r(20) = 0.53, P = .012) and “hand function” (r(20) = 0.50, P = .018), indicating construct validity. BeBiT-S scores improved significantly with B/NHE assistance (Mdn = 60, P < .05), compared to when no assistance was provided (Mdn = 38, P < .05), demonstrating the test’s sensitivity to change following the application of a B/NHE.

Conclusions

The findings support that the BeBiT-S is a reliable and valid tool for evaluating bimanual task performance in stroke survivors and is compatible with the use of assistive technology such as B/NHEs.

Trial registration NCT04440709, submitted June 18th, 2020.