armeo

In the neurorehabilitation field, robot-aided motion analysis (R-AMA) could be helpful for two main reasons: (1) it allows the registration and monitoring of patients' motion parameters in a more accurate way than clinical scales (clinical purpose), and (2) the multitude of data produced using R-AMA can be used to build machine learning algorithms, detecting prognostic and predictive factors for better motor outcomes (research purpose). Despite their potential in clinical settings, robotic assessment tools have not gained widespread clinical acceptance...

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of upper limb (UL) robot-assisted therapy (RAT) on functional improvement after stroke remains unclear. However, recently published randomized controlled trials have supported its potential benefits in enhancing the activities of daily living, arm and hand function, and muscle strength. Task-specific and high-intensity exercises are key points in facilitating motor re-learning in neurorehabilitation since RAT can provide an assisted-as-needed approach. This study aims to investigate the clinical effects of an exoskeleton robotic system for UL rehabilitation compared with conventional therapy (CT) in people with subacute stroke...

BACKGROUND: Rehabilitation robotics is a field of study which aims to understand and augment rehabilitation through the use of robotics devices. OBJECTIVE: This proof of concept study aimed to test the safety (no. adverse events, incidence of infection), feasibility (program demand, adherence, participant satisfaction) and efficacy (Peak Oxygen uptake (VO2peak ), 6-min walk test, gait speeds, Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, quality of life) of Lokomat® and Armeo® Spring training in children and adolescents and young adults (AYAs) during or soon after cancer treatment...

Rehabilitation of the upper extremity (UE) is an essential part of the process following an acquired brain injury, where robot technologies have the potential of making the rehabilitation more intensive and effective. However, the implementation of robot technologies in a clinical setting can be complicated and not always successful. The aim of this study was to evaluate the implementation of the robot technology Armeo®Spring (Hocoma, Volketswil, Switzerland) at a specialized neurorehabilitation center, and to propose a list of actions for further implementation of the technology...

Almost half of stroke patients report impaired function of the upper limb and hand. Stability of the trunk is required for the proper movement of the body, including the legs and arms. The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of trunk stabilization exercises on coordinated movement of the affected upper limb in patients after stroke, using an Armoe® Spring device and the "wall" and "abacus" functional tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a randomized, double-blinded study. The research was carried out in the Rehabilitation Clinic on a group of 60 stroke patients who were randomly assigned to groups differing in the rehabilitation program...

Hand movements are particularly impaired in patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD), contributing to functional disability and difficulties in activities of daily living. Growing evidence has shown that robot-assisted therapy may be considered an effective and reliable method for the delivery of the highly repetitive training that is needed to trigger neuroplasticity, as intensive, repetitive and task-oriented training could be an ideal strategy to facilitate the relearning of motor function and to minimize motor deficit...

Background: Stroke is a common cause of motor disability. The recovery of upper limb after stroke is poor, with few stroke survivors regaining some functional use of the affected upper limb. This is further complicated by the fact that the prolonged rehabilitation is accompanied by multiple challenges in using and identifying meaningful and motivated treatment tasks that may be adapted and graded to facilitate the rehabilitation program. Virtual reality-based therapy is one of the most innovative approaches in rehabilitation technology and virtual reality systems can provide enhanced feedback to promote motor learning in individuals with neurological or musculoskeletal diseases...

The aim of this pilot study was to investigate whether a movement therapy robot can improve skills in using a myoelectric prosthesis by patients with upper limb amputations. This prospective randomized, controlled study included a total of eleven patients with upper limb amputations who use myoelectric prostheses. The patients were randomized into a robot-assisted exercise group (n = 6) and a control group (n = 5). The robot group received robot-assisted training. No training program was provided to the control group...

BACKGROUND: After a stroke, 80% of the chronic patients have difficulties to use their paretic upper limb (UL) in activities of daily life (ADL) even after rehabilitation. Virtual reality therapy (VRT) and anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are two innovative methods that have shown independently to positively impact functional recovery of the paretic UL when combined with conventional therapy. The objective of the project will be to evaluate the impact of adding anodal high-definition (HD)-tDCS during an intensive 3-week UL VRT and conventional therapy program on paretic UL function in chronic stroke...

BACKGROUND: The clinical evaluation of the upper limb of severely impaired stroke patient is challenging. Sensor-based assessments may allow for an objective evaluation of this patient population. This study investigated the validity of a device-assisted approach in comparison to the clinical outcome that it is supposed to reflect. METHODS: In nineteen severely impaired chronic stroke patients, we applied a gravity-compensating, multi-joint arm exoskeleton (Armeo Spring) and compared this sensor-based assessment with the clinical outcome measure Upper Extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment (UE-FMA) scale...

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Additional therapy may improve poststroke outcomes. Self-rehabilitation is a useful means to increase rehabilitation time. Mechanized systems are usual means to extend time for motor training. The primary aim was to compare the effects of self-rehabilitation using a mechanized device with control self-exercises on upper extremity impairment in patients with stroke. METHODS: Phase III, parallel, concealed allocation, randomized controlled, multicenter trial, with 12-month follow-up...

Objective: It was the aim to assess feasibility, safety, and potential efficacy of a new intensive, focused arm-hand BOOST program and to investigate whether there is a difference between early vs. late delivery of the program in the sub-acute phase post stroke. Methods: In this pilot RCT, patients with stroke were randomized to the immediate group (IG): 4 weeks (4 w) BOOST +4 w CONTROL or the delayed group (DG): 4 w CONTROL +4 w BOOST, on top of their usual inpatient care program. The focused arm-hand BOOST program (1 h/day, 5x/week, 4 weeks) consisted of group exercises with focus on scapula-setting, core-stability, manipulation and complex ADL tasks...

Robotic devices can be engaged actively or passively to unload arm weight or impose additional loading. The conditions of variable loading and unloading offer an opportunity to investigate motor performance of the arm affected by a stroke. The objective of this study was to investigate the interactive effects of the proximal arm impairment and passive weight compensation on shoulder flexion performance in the sagittal plane after stroke. Twenty-eight participants (age 57 ± 10 years, 21/28 ≤ 6 weeks post-stroke) played a shoulder flexion game under five standardized weight compensation configurations provided by the Armeo® Spring exoskeleton...

BACKGROUND: Physical training is able to induce changes at neurophysiological and behavioral level associated with performance changes for the trained movements. The current study explores the effects of an additional intense robot-assisted upper extremity training on functional outcome and motor excitability in subacute stroke patients. METHODS: Thirty moderately to severely affected patients < 3 months after stroke received a conventional inpatient rehabilitation...

AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality therapy (VRT) Armeo Spring® upper limb exoskeleton (Armeo), in early post-stroke rehabilitation with a focus on the elderly. CLINICAL RATIONALE FOR THE STUDY: Convalescence from a stroke is a complex process driven by a spontaneous recovery supported by multifactorial activation. Novel technology-based rehabilitation methods are being introduced to support brain plasticity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a randomised controlled study design, participants within 30 days after stroke with arm paresis were, in addition to a daily rehabilitation programme, assigned to an intervention group (45 minutes Armeo IG n = 25; mean age 66...

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether robotic-assisted training as a supplement to usual therapy is safe, acceptable and improves function and patient reported outcome after proximal humeral fractures (PHF). DESIGN: Multicentre, assessor-blinded, randomised controlled prospective trial. SETTING: Three different rehabilitation hospitals in Germany. SUBJECTS: In total 928 PHF patients between 35 and 70 years were screened. Forty-eight participants were included in the study (intervention group n  = 23; control group n  = 25)...

AIM: To determine the acceptability and effects of a pediatric constraint induced movement therapy (P-CIMT) camp for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (hCP) augmented by use of an exoskeleton to play games in virtual reality (VR). METHOD: 31 children with hCP attended a P-CIMT camp 6 hours per day for 10 days over 2 successive weeks (60 hours) that included 30 minutes of unilateral training with the Hocoma Armeo® Spring Pediatric that combines the assistance of an exoskeleton and VR games...

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of traditional and high-tech physical rehabilitation in cerebral palsy and in modeling of rehabilitation prognosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty-six patients with cerebral palsy (spastic diplegia); mean age 7.0±1.3 years, the duration of inpatient treatment 28 days, were studied. Forty patients received conventional treatment, 86 - a high-tech physical rehabilitation (robotic mechanic therapy with «Lokomat», «Armeo» and electric stimulation of the brain with «Brain-port» device)...

INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system, which causes sensori-motor and cognitive disabilities, as well as neuropsychiatric abnormalities. Technological innovations could offer a valuable way to improve neurorehabilitation outcomes. Aim of the study is to assess the feasibility and usability of new rehabilitation technologies as perceived by patients suffering from MS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MS inpatients attending the Robotic and Behavioral Neurorehabilitation Service of the IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo (Messina, Italy) from February 2017 to April 2019, were enrolled in this exploratory study...

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility of an additional therapeutic upper limb exercise (ULE) intervention in early phase post-stroke rehabilitation and to assess outcomes of therapy using the Armeo Spring (ARMEO) versus Therapist-assisted Table Top (TAT) interventions. DESIGN: Randomized, single-blind trial. SETTING: Stroke acute inpatient rehabilitation unit. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-five participants early after first stroke, Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) score >8, Modified Ashworth score (MAS) of <3...