The effect of upper extremity robotic rehabilitation on UPPER extremity functions, PAİN, anxiety and quality of life in stroke individuals

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of upper extremity robotic rehabilitation on upper extremity functions, pain, anxiety, and the quality of life in stroke patients. 28 individuals who previously had a stroke were voluntarily included in the study. The participants were homogeneously randomized into study and control groups with 14 participants each. Upper extremity functions of the individuals included in our study were determined by Fugl-Meyer Scale and Brunnstrom Staging Scale; their pain levels by Visual Analog Scale; their anxiety levels by Beck Anxiety Scale; and their Quality of life was evaluated with the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale. Stroke patients included in the study group received one session of robotic rehabilitation and four sessions of conventional rehabilitation per week for six weeks. Stroke patients included in the control group received four sessions of conventional rehabilitation per week for six weeks. When the data were compared between the groups before and after six weeks of treatment were compared; there was no significant difference between upper extremity functions, pain, anxiety, and the quality of life (p>0,05). However, when in group comparisons were evaluated, a significant improvement was observed in upper extremity functions and pain levels (p<0,05). We suggest that one session of robotic rehabilitation application per week which is preferred in stroke individuals has similar effect with conventional rehabilitation and more studies should be conducted in which the number and type of weekly robotic rehabilitation sessions is different.