Efficacy of wrist robot‑aided orthopedic rehabilitation: a randomized controlled trial

J NeuroEngineering Rehabil, 2021 · DOI: 10.1186/s12984-021-00925-0 · Published: August 23, 2021

Assistive Technology Orthopedics Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates using a wrist robot to help people recover from wrist injuries sustained at work. Participants were divided into two groups: one received traditional therapy, and the other used robot-assisted exercises. The results suggest that robot-assisted rehabilitation is as effective as traditional methods in improving wrist functionality.

Study Duration

3-week

Participants

23 subjects with wrist injuries

Evidence Level

Level 1, Randomized Controlled Trial

Key Findings

1
Functionality, assessed through the function subscale of PRWE scale, improved in both groups
2
After rehabilitation the experimental group presented better results than the control one
3
The robot-aided rehabilitative treatment was effective and comparable to the traditional one.

Research Summary

This randomized controlled trial tested the efficacy of a robot-based rehabilitative protocol to recover wrist functionality after traumatic injuries. Clinical results revealed that the robot-based rehabilitative approach was effective and that its results were comparable to those achieved through traditional exercises. Our results showed that the robot-aided protocol of treatment was effective and comparable to the traditional one.

Practical Implications

Reduced Therapist Effort

Systematic use of robotic devices could decrease human therapists’ effort.

Increased Repeatability and Accuracy

Robotics can increase repeatability and accuracy of assessments.

Enhanced Patient Engagement

Robotics promotes subject’s engagement and voluntary participation.

Study Limitations

1
Absence of a comparison with a traditional treatment.
2
High variability of our sample in terms of both sensory and motor performance
3
The influence of movement amplitude on wrist proprioceptive acuity and tracking accuracy

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