Ji-Hyun Kim, Myoung-Hwan Ko, Jin Woo Park, Ho Jun Lee, Ki Yeun Nam, Yeon-Gyo Nam, Chi-hun Oh, Joong Hee Park, Bum Sun Kwon
Medical Device Industry, Graduate School of Dongguk University, Gyeonggi-do, Korea.
DOI: 10.2340/20030711-1000074

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of electromechanically-assisted rehabilitation of upper limb function in post-stroke patients.
Design: Randomized controlled trial.
Subjects: Forty-eight stroke patients.
Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups. The control group underwent occupational therapy training with conventional methods. The experimental group underwent electromechanically-assisted training using an end effector robot (Camillo®). Interventions were provided for 30 min per day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks. Primary outcome was change in Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) before and after training. Secondary outcomes were changes in hand function, upper limb strength, spasticity, mental status and quality of life.
Results: Mean improvement in FMA was 1. 17 (standard deviation (SD) 4. 18) in the control group and 2. 52 (SD 5. 48) in the experimental group. Although FMA in the experimental group improved significantly after training, the improvement in FMA did not differ significantly between groups. Among the secondary outcomes, the Motricity Index (MI) improved significantly after training in the experimental group, and the change in MI between groups was statistically significant.
Conclusion: Electromechanically-assisted rehabilitation using Camillo® was not more effective than conventional occupation therapy for upper arm function.

Electromechanically-assisted upper limb training is effective for stroke patients who need spontaneous exercise, because it provides highly precise and unlimited repetitive upper limb movements. In hemiplegic patients after stroke, upper limb function is important for daily life movements and working ability. The end effector robot, Camillo®, is an electromechanically-assisted upper limb training device that trains overall upper limb movement by inducing simultaneous motion of the shoulder, elbow and hand. This study evaluated the effect of rehabilitation using Camillo® by comparing it with conventional upper limb rehabilitation. In conclusion, electromechanically-assisted rehabilitation with Camillo® was not more effective than conventional occupational therapy for upper limb function.

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