Use of robotic assisted therapy with simultaneous connection of upper limbs in patients with acquired brain impairment from the view of occupational therapy: case study
Abstract
Introduction: Using robotic - assisted therapy for locomotion with simultaneous involvement of the upper limbs can help patients after the brain injury to be better prepared to perform personal and instrumental activities of daily living. This type of therapy can help to prevent the fall risk as well as to increase the self-sufficiency and individual participation in daily activities.
This all improves the quality of life. Sample: The case study demonstrates a patient, age 65 years, after stroke with a left-side hemiparesis in subacute phase, who was admitted to the intensive rehabilitation program of the Kladruby Rehabilitation Centre.
Methods: Reoambulator is a system that combines locomotion training with simultaneous involvement of the upper limbs and training of cognitive functions. The observed proband was measured at the time T0 after admission to the intensive rehabilitation program, at the time T1 before the robotic - assisted therapy for locomotion, and at the time T2 after the robotic - assisted therapy.
During all that times the Berg Balance Score, the Timed Up and Go test, the 6 Minutes Walking Test, the FIM - Motor Subscore, the Action Research Arm Test, the Motor Activity Log and the Box and Blocks test were used. Results: The patient has improved performance in the walking tests.
According to the 6 Minutes Walking Test he has improved from 150 meters to 178 meters, according to the Timed Up and Go Test he has accelerated from 28.45s to 22.45s. In the area of upper limb function the patient performed 21 activities before the therapy and 27 activities of the Motor Activities Log after the therapy (29 activities is the maximum).
In the Box and Blocks test the patient has improved from 16 to 27 blocks and in the Action Research Arm Test he got 27 points efore the therapy and 35 points after that. Conclusion: The use of robotic - assisted therapies for locomotion training with a simultaneous involvement of the upper limbs leads to increasing the patient's self-sufficiency.
The patient is comprehensively prepared for the implementation of the activities of daily living, because there is a current training of motor, sensory and cognitive functions.