Effect of Caregiver Driven Robot-Assisted In-Ward Training in Subacute Stroke Patients: A Case Series

• Main Authors: Sang Beom Kim, Kyeong Woo Lee, Jong Hwa Lee, Sook Joung Lee, Jin Gee Park, Joo Won Park
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine 2018-04-01
• Series: Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine
• Subjects: Stroke rehabilitation; Stroke; Robot
• Online Access: http://www.e-arm.org/upload/pdf/arm-42-195.pdf

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of caregiver driven robot-assisted in-ward training in subacute stroke patients.MethodsA retrospective evaluation was performed for patients treated with caregiver driven robot-assisted in-ward training to retain gait function from June 2014 and December 2016. All patients received more than 2 weeks of caregiver driven robot-assisted in-ward training after undergoing conventional programs. The robot was used as a sitting device, a standing frame, or a high-walker depending on functional status of the patient. Patients were evaluated before and after robot training. Patient records were assessed by Korean version of Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and Functional Ambulation Category (FAC).ResultsInitially, patients used the robot as a sitting device (n=6), a standing frame (n=7), or a partial body-weight support high-walker (n=2). As patient functions were improved, usage level of the robot was changed to the next level. At the end of the treatment, the robot was used as a sitting device (n=1), a standing frame (n=6), or high-walker (n=8). Scores of K-MBI (Δ17.47±10.72) and FIM (Δ19.80±12.34) were improved in all patients.ConclusionPatients' usage level of the robot and functional scores were improved. Therefore, performing additional caregiver driven robot-assisted in-ward training is feasible and beneficial for subacute stroke patients.