The efficiency of robotic hand exoskeleton system in stroke patients: A pilot randomized controlled single blind trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the effects of the Robotic Hand Exoskeleton system on spasticity, motor control skills, activities of daily living, quality of life, and functional independence in stroke patients.

DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 36 stroke patients aged 35-85, divided into two groups: conventional physiotherapy (n = 18) and robotic rehabilitation (n = 18). Evaluations included the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) for spasticity, Motor Activity Log 28 (MAL28) for daily activities, Frenchay Arm Test for motor control, and Stroke Impact Scale 3.0 (SIS 3.0) for quality of life and functional independence. Both groups received 15 treatment sessions over five weeks, with the robotic rehabilitation group additionally using a Robotic Hand Exoskeleton for 10 minutes per session.

RESULTS: A significant improvement was observed in MAS (ES=0.092), MAL28, Frenchay Arm Test (ES=0.093), and SIS 3.0 (ES=0.01) scores after treatment (p < 0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Robotic hand rehabilitation improved motor function, daily activities, quality of life, and reduced spasticity, but showed no superiority over conventional physiotherapy. Both treatments demonstrated similar effectiveness, with robotic rehabilitation offering potential financial and time-saving benefits for healthcare providers.