RecruitingACTRN12610000473066

Development and evaluation of a functional rehabilitation system for upper extremity function in stroke patients.

Effects of physiotherapy, Electromyography (EMG) feedback and EMG-Controlled Exoskeletal on Upper Limb Recovery after Stroke.

Sponsor

Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais

Enrollment

18 participants

Start Date

Nov 23, 2009

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

Motor upper extremity function in stroke patients

Summary

This study will compared the effects of 3 differents rehabilitation programs for stroke patients with upper limbs functional disabilities. Participants will take part in a 2 months supervised rehabilitation program 3 times per week, for 1 hour. We hypothesized that stroke survivors with persistent weakness after stroke would be able to safely and effectively control the EMG exoskeletal orthosis, allowing them to perform exercise training with the device.

Eligibility

Sex: Both males and femalesMin Age: 18 YearssMax Age: 60 Yearss

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is comparing three different rehabilitation programs for stroke survivors who have weakness or limited function in one arm. Stroke can damage the brain pathways that control movement, making daily tasks very difficult. Researchers are testing whether a special robotic exoskeleton device that responds to muscle signals (EMG) can help people recover arm function better than conventional exercises. Participants will do 2 months of therapy, 3 times per week. You may be eligible if: - You are between 18 and 60 years old - You had a single ischemic (blockage) or hemorrhagic (bleed) stroke - You have weakness on one side of your body (hemiparesis) affecting your arm - At least 6 months have passed since your stroke - Your muscle stiffness (spasticity) is mild (level 0-2 on the Modified Ashworth Scale) You may NOT be eligible if: - You have significant heart problems such as arrhythmia or angina - You have another neurological condition - You cannot follow simple verbal instructions Talk to your doctor about whether this trial might be right for you.

This is a simplified summary. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

Print for Your Doctor Check Your Eligibility

Interested in this trial?

Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.

Interventions

The Participants of the training groups participated in individual 3 times per week, for 50 minutes sessions of EMG feedback upper muscle training and others participants participated of EMG-controlled exoskeletal upper limb powered orthosis for exercise training supervise by one physiotherapist with the same background during 2 months. EMG Feedback: The participants realized series of flexion/ extension movements of the elbow, wrist and fingers joints. During the accomplishment of these exercises, the participants seated in front of the computer and will have visual aid of one feedback indicating how much of muscular contraction it must be produced for the accomplishment of each movement. EMG-Controlled Exoskeletal training: During the sessions the particpants realized series of functional upper limbs tasks , such as, to move blocks, boxes and other utensils etc. There is a active-assisted therapy. During active-assisted training, the Exoskeletal provided assistance (by EMG activity trigger) in functional task if the subject was unable to reach it independently.

Locations(1)

Brazil

View Full Details on ANZCTR

For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.

Visit

ACTRN12610000473066