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Page: << Prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | Next >> Each patient received training using HOWARD in 15 two-hour therapy sessions spread over three weeks.
At the end of three weeks, all patients had improved their ability to grasp and release objects, the researchers said.
All the patients showed improvement in the ability to perform real-world tasks, such as grasping a block, gripping a drinking glass, pinching to pick up a small marble or ball bearing, and putting their hand on their head. They also showed significant improvement on tests of dexterity.
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In addition, after three weeks, patients developed a significantly greater range of motion in their hands and wrists and were rated as less disabled on a standard occupational therapy test.
During another month of follow-up, many of the improvements in movement were sustained, but others deteriorated, Cramer said. It is possible that more work with the robot would further improve movement, he noted.
Cramer believes the robot can become a valuable part of rehabilitation after stroke.
"Robots offer certain advantages for therapy after stroke," Cramer said. "There is consistency, accuracy, durability and the potential for tele-rehab," he said. "You could treat 10 patients in their homes from a single location."
One expert agreed that the technique could be of real help to patients.
"The implementation of robotics coupled with virtual reality training holds promise for motor recovery and, hopefully, functional recovery for chronic stroke patients," said Dr. Ira G. Rashbaum, chief of stroke rehabilitation at New York University Medical Center in New York City. "I'm pleased to see the researchers combined these modalities with the potential for synergy."
Stroke patients and their loved ones must understand, however, that there must be sufficient residual motor power in their arm and hand to initiate some movement for this therapy to work, said Rashbaum, who is also clinical associate professor of rehabilitation medicine at New York University School of Medicine.
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