Front Neurol. 2018 Oct 24;9:905. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00905. eCollection 2018.
Effects of High-intensity Robot-assisted Hand Training on Upper Limb Recovery and Muscle Activity in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized, Controlled, Single-Blinded Trial.
Gandolfi M, Valè N, Dimitrova EK, Mazzoleni S, Battini E, Benedetti MD, Gajofatto A, Ferraro F, Castelli M, Camin M, Filippetti M, De Paoli C, Chemello E, Picelli A, Corradi J, Waldner A6, Saltuari L, Smania N.
Abstract
Background : Integration of robotics and upper limb rehabilitation in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) has rarely been investigated.
Objective: To compare the effects of robot-assisted hand training against non-robotic hand training on upper limb activity in PwMS. To compare the training effects on hand dexterity, muscle activity, and upper limb dysfunction as measured with the International Classification of Functioning.
Methods: This single-blind, randomized, controlled trial involved 44 PwMS (Expanded Disability Status Scale:1.5-8) and hand dexterity deficits. The experimental group (n = 23) received robot-assisted hand training; the control group (n = 21) received non-robotic hand training. Training protocols lasted for 5 weeks (50 min/session, 2 sessions/week). Before (T0), after (T1), and at 1 month follow-up (T2), a blinded rater evaluated patients using a comprehensive test battery. Primary outcome: Action Research Arm Test. Secondary outcomes: Nine Holes Peg Test; Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale-upper extremity section; Motricity Index; Motor Activity Log; Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Quality of Life-54; Life Habits assessment-general short form and surface electromyography.
Results: There were no significant between-group differences in primary and secondary outcomes. Electromyography showed relevant changes providing evidence increased activity in the extensor carpi at T1 and T2.
Conclusion: The training effects on upper limb activity and function were comparable between the two groups. However, robot-assisted training demonstrated remarkable effects on upper limb use and muscle activity.
Figure: Hardware set-up for Amadeo®-assisted training
The thing I love about science is its philosophy, its expandable capacity to dream beyond the metaphysical and push the limits. The introduction of robotics and AI into society, however, has been received by society with conflicting valuation. Some bad, for instance the introduction of automative robots in the car manufacturing industry, while some have been good, for example, robot assisted-surgery in medicine. But, do robotics have a place in disability management and rehabilitation?
Here, Gandolfi et al. have focused on robot-assisted devices for upper limb impairment in MS, which affects 66% of those with MS over three decades of the illness. Early use of similar devices have proved to be helpful following acute stroke. But MS is much more slowly progressive and may prove to be difficult. They used Amadeo®, a mechatronic end-motor robotic device, i.e. it targets hand function simulating natural grasping movements and carries out automated movement sequences. If we apply the 'use it or lose it' hypothesis, it is conceivable that Amadeo®-assisted hand rehabilitation can reduce hand motor impairment, whilst at the same time improving its use.
The team compared the effects of Amadeo®-assisted training and robot-unassisted training on upper limb function. As well as evaluating the training effects on hand dexterity and upper limb function, disability improvement and quality of life. To look at the mechanics of this, they evaluated whether there was improvement in muscle function by measuring electromyographic activity in the upper limb. It's a single blind study where only the examiner was blinded to the treatment groups and outcomes were evaluated before and after a 5 week training session, and at 1 month follow up.
Unfortunately, they didn't find any significant differences between the two groups in improvement in upper-limb function. But, in the secondary outcomes, only the robot-assisted group reported a change in the motor-activity log-amount of use (a scale evaluating changes in the amount and quality of arm use in carrying out 30 daily activities), and after training only this group demonstrated improvements in muscle strength during finger-extension and flexion. This was supported by an increase in extensor carpi (muscles that extend the hand at the wrist) activity similar to activation in healthy controls (i.e. those without MS). These changes were maintained at one month follow up.
So there is something to take forward here, in the same we exercise our lower limb when there is not enough strength, robotic assistance may help with those unable to accomplish this. As demonstrated in this work, the improvement in extensor carpi muscle activation support a task-specific effect of this device on underlying muscle activity.Labels: robotics-assisted training, upper limb function
