Synergistic Bilateral Upper-Limb Stroke Rehabilitation Based on Robotic Priming Technique
Condition: Stroke Rehabilitation
MeSH terms: Stroke
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      This comparative efficacy study will be based on a 3-armed controlled trial: bilateral
      robotic priming combined with bilateral arm training (bilateral RT+BAT), bilateral robotic
      priming combined with mirror therapy (bilateral RT+MT), and the control intervention
      (bilateral RT+IOT). The goal of this 4-year project is to provide scientific evidence of the
      comparative efficacy research of hybrid interventions based on unilateral vs. bilateral
      approach to upper limb rehabilitation in subacute and chronic stroke.
    

Detailed description: 
      This proposed research fits in the NHRI research priority 4-1 by addressing innovative
      treatment strategies for stroke that is in desperate need of scientific scrutiny. Stroke is
      one of the major medical conditions that lead to long-term disability and causes heavy health
      care and financial burden. Advances in clinical and translational neurosciences have led to
      the new development of stroke rehabilitation. Current stroke rehabilitation programs such as
      robotic therapy, mirror therapy, and bilateral arm training are bilateral approaches to
      intensive practice based on the tenet of practice-dependent neuroplasticity. Bilateral
      robotic therapy can potentially be a movement-based priming technique to promote rebalancing
      of cortical excitability and create an enriched neuroplastic environment by priming the brain
      to facilitate motor and functional recovery. This proposed research project will: (1) examine
      the effects of bilateral robotic priming combined with bilateral arm training approach versus
      bilateral robotic priming combined with mirror therapy, relative to the control intervention
      approach (bilateral robotic priming combined with impairment-oriented training) on
      sensorimotor function, daily function, self-efficacy, quality of life, and motor control
      strategy in patients with stroke, (2) investigate the 3-month retention effects of robotic
      priming combined with contemporary rehabilitation approaches (i.e., bilateral arm training
      and mirror therapy) and the control intervention, and (3) identify the potential predictors
      of functionally relevant changes after therapy.
    

Intervention name(s): BMT to be combined with BAT; BMT to be combined with MT; BMT to be combined with IOT
Intervention type(s): Behavioral; Behavioral; Behavioral
Intervention description(s): Specifically, the participants will first receive 40 to 45 minutes of bilateral robotic priming using the BMT. After the robotic priming, participants will receive another 40 to 45 minutes training in tasks focusing on bilateral symmetric movements of both ULs.; Similar to the RT+BAT group, the participants will first receive 40 to 45 minutes of bilateral robotic priming delivered by the BMT with the same priming protocol. After bilateral robotic priming, participants will receive 40 to 45 minutes of mirror therapy.; Similar to the RT+BAT group, the participants will first receive 40 to 45 minutes of bilateral robotic priming delivered by the BMT with the same priming protocol. After bilateral robotic priming, participants will receive 40 to 45 minutes of impairment-oriented training.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: stroke, robot-assisted therapy, mirror therapy