Overview
The purpose of this clinical trial is to investigate the efficacy of a hybrid-based rehabilitation program for the upper extremity(UE) combining the interventions- Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) and Robotic rehabilitation in individuals with chronic stroke. The main question it aims to answer is if the Hybrid multi-muscle FES+Robot upper extremity rehabilitation is more effective in improving the upper extremity motor impairments and function as compared to robotic upper extremity training alone.
Description
Individuals with chronic stroke(> 6months after stroke) will be recruited. All participants will complete clinical and kinematic assessments at 2 time points(baseline and after 6 weeks training). Each participant will receive 18 sessions of 60 minute upper extremity training over 6 weeks.
Study participants will be randomly assigned to receive either of the following upper extremity training- 1. Hybrid multi-muscle FES+Robot training group or 2.Robot only training group.
The following clinical assessments to measure the motor impairments and functional recovery will be performed: Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity, Modified Ashworth Scale, and Wolf Motor Function Test.
Kinematic assessments will be conducted using the REACH robotic device and the Kinereach/trakStar system. The following kinematic parameters will be collected: Smoothness, Range of Motion, and Speed.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Individuals with chronic stroke(>6months post stroke)
- Age-22-85 years old
- Ability to perform a Upper Extremity forward reach of about 3 inches
Exclusion Criteria:
- Upper Extremity co-morbidities-pain, arthritis, and other neurological disorders
- Unable to tolerate electrical stimulation
- Have implants such as pacemaker, spinal cord or deep brain stimulator
- Have an elbow contracture of greater than 150 degrees
- Receiving Botox injections within 3 months