Robot-assisted Versus Conventional Physical Therapy for Hand in Sub-acute Stroke

In the researchers' words

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of robotic-assisted physiotherapy and conventional physiotherapy in improving hand function among patients with sub-acute stroke. Stroke often results in weakness, reduced hand strength, impaired dexterity, and difficulty performing daily activities due to upper-limb motor dysfunction. Early rehabilitation targeting hand recovery is essential to improve independence and quality of life. A total of 30 participants with sub-acute post-stroke spastic hemiplegia will be recruited from the University of Lahore Hospital and randomly assigned into two groups. The intervention group will receive robotic-assisted physiotherapy focused on repetitive, task-specific wrist and finger extension training using a robotic hand/wrist device, while the control group will receive conventional therapist-led upper-limb rehabilitation exercises. Both groups will undergo treatment sessions lasting 30-45 minutes, five days per week for four weeks. Outcome measures will include hand muscle strength assessed using a hand-held dynamometer, hand dexterity evaluated through the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), and functional improvement measured using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE). Additional measures such as spasticity, activities of daily living, and quality of life will also be recorded. Assessments will be…