Effects of RR and MT on Patient With Stroke
Effects of RR and MT on Patient With Stroke
The purpose of this proposal is 1) to compare the relative effects of the robotic
 rehabilitation (RR), mirror therapy (MT), and conventional intervention (CI), 2) to compare
 the effects of the combined therapy of the RR-Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) and the
 RR-Placebo Intervention (PI), and 3) to identify the clinical predictors that will
 potentially influence the functional outcomes after interventions.
Motor deficit of upper extremity is one of the prominent problems in patients with stroke.
 Looking for effective and efficient treatments to improve affected UE function is of great
 importance in the field of rehabilitation. Two emerging movement therapies in stroke
 rehabilitation are robotic rehabilitation (RR) and mirror therapy (MT). Scientific evidence
 for comparative effectiveness research of RR versus MT versus CI on functional outcomes
 (e.g., motor, muscle, sensory, and daily functions) in stroke patients is limited. In
 addition, studies showed FES induced some improvements in individual movements at the
 shoulder, elbow, wrist, and fingers or in muscle strength in patients with moderate-to-severe
 paresis. The combination therapy of the FES and training protocols may increase the benefits
 of standard rehabilitative treatments and may also facilitate motor learning. However, the
 combined training effects of the RR and FES on stroke patients have not been well studies in
 a larger sample yet. Specific objectives of this proposed research are as follows: First, The
 investigators will compare the efficacy of the RR, MT, and conventional rehabilitation.
 Secondly, the investigators will compare the efficacy of the RR-FES versus RR-PI on outcome
 measures. Thirdly, the investigators will identify the clinical predictors that will
 potentially influence the functional outcomes after interventions.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Willing to provide the written informed consent

 -  More than 6 months onset of unilateral stroke

 -  An initial 25-56 or 18-50 scores on the UE subtest of the FMA

 -  Sufficient cognitive ability (Mini Mental State Examination ≧ 24 points)

 -  Without upper limb fracture within 3 months

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Recurrent of stroke or seizure episode during the intervention

 -  Occurence of serious or continuous pain on affected upper-extremity

 -  History of other neurological disease or severe orthopaedic condition