Robot-Assisted Therapy for Upper Extremity Motor Impairment After Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to review the effects robot-assisted therapy (RT) for improving poststroke upper extremity motor impairment. Methods PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Web Science databases were searched from inception April 8, 2020. Randomized controlled trials that conducted evaluate RT on impairment used Fugl-Meyer assessment scores as an outcome included. Two authors independently screened articles, extracted data, assessed methodological quality included studies using Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. A random-effects meta-analysis performed pool effect sizes across studies. Results Forty-one randomized with 1916 stroke patients Compared dose-matched conventional rehabilitation, significantly improved stroke, a small size (Hedges g = 0.25; 95% CI, 0.11-0.38; I2 45.9%). subgroup analysis revealed unilateral RT, but not bilateral superior rehabilitation 0.32; 0.15-0.50; 55.9%). Regarding type robot devices, end effector device 0.22; 0.09–0.36; 35.4%), exoskeleton device, rehabilitation. stage, between-group difference (ie, vs convention rehabilitation) significant only people late subacute or chronic 0.33; 0.16-0.50; 34.2%). Conclusion might be in after notable hemiplegia limited potential spontaneous recovery.