Upper Limb Robot-Assisted Therapy in XXXX : A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

@entity35 @entity1 @entity508 @entity306
Background. Several pilot studies have evoked interest in robot-assisted therapy ( @entity35 ) in @entity1 with @entity306 ( @entity306 ). Objective. To assess the effectiveness of @entity35 in @entity1 with @entity306 through a single-blind randomized controlled trial. @entity1 and Methods. Sixteen @entity1 with @entity306 were randomized into 2 groups. Eight @entity1 performed 5 conventional therapy sessions per week over 8 weeks (control group). Eight @entity1 completed 3 conventional therapy sessions and 2 robot-assisted sessions per week over 8 weeks (robotic group). For both groups, each therapy session lasted 45 minutes. Throughout each @entity35 session, the @entity1 attempted to reach several targets consecutively with the REAPlan. The REAPlan is a distal effector robot that allows for displacements of the upper limb in the horizontal plane. A blinded assessment was performed before and after the intervention with respect to the International Classification of Functioning framework: body structure and function (upper limb kinematics, Box and Block test, Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test, strength, and @entity508 ), activities (Abilhand-Kids, Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory), and participation (Life Habits). Results. During each @entity35 session, @entity1 performed 744 movements on average with the REAPlan. Among the variables assessed, the smoothness of movement (P < .01) and manual dexterity assessed by the Box and Block test (P = .04) improved significantly more in the robotic group than in the control group. Conclusions. This single-blind randomized controlled trial provides the first evidence that @entity35 is effective in @entity1 with @entity306 . Future studies should investigate the long-term effects of this therapy.
