Sensory and Cognitive Outcomes of Robotic Exercises in Stroke (SCORES)
Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
Based on the findings of meta-analyses, upper limb robotic rehabilitation has shown to enhance daily living activities, motor function, and strength in stroke patients. However, when compared to traditional methods, recent randomized controlled trials conducted on larger participant groups failed to identify significant differences in motor-related outcomes between the two approaches. In addition to motor deficits, stroke survivors often experience cognitive decline and sensory disturbances, which can significantly impede their recovery process. The introduction of multisensory stimulation and an enriched environment through robotic interventions may offer valuable supplementary treatments in these specific areas. Nevertheless, this aspect of treatment has not been thoroughly explored. This study seeks to assess the effectiveness of upper limb robotic rehabilitation in individuals recovering from subacute strokes, in comparison to conventional treatments. Specifically, it aims to determine whether this robotic therapy can lead to improvements in (a) cognitive deficits, (b) somatosensory impairment, and (c) how these sensory and cognitive deficits influence the process of motor recovery.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * a single event, verified by MRI or CT; * age between 18 and 85 years; * time since stroke within six months; * a demographically adjusted total score of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) between 15.5 and 22.23 Exclusion Criteria: * behavioural and cognitive disorders and/or reduced compliance that would interfere with active therapy; * fixed contraction deformity in the affected limb that would interfere with active therapy (ankylosis, Modified Ashworth Scale = 4); * severe deficits in visual acuity.