Efficacy of Armeo® Spring during the chronic phase of stroke. Study in mild to moderate cases of hemiparesis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a gravity-supported, computer-enhanced device (Armeo® Spring) for upper limb rehabilitation in chronic stroke patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 23 chronic hemiparetic patients (chronicity: 328 ± 90.8 days; distribution: 17 men and 6 women) aged 54.6 ± 9.5 years, who had sustained ischaemic stroke (n=12) or haemorrhagic stroke (n=11). All patients completed 36 one-hour sessions using the Armeo® Spring system. Arm movement was assessed at the beginning and end of the treatment programme and once more 4 months later. Main outcome measurements covered structure, activity, and function, as per the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: Modified Ashworth Scale, Motricity Index (MI), Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale (FM), Motor Assessment Scale (MAS), Manual Function Test (MFT), and Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT).

RESULTS: Repeated measures ANOVA showed significant improvement (time effect) for all function scales (P<.01 for FM and MI) and activity scales (P<.01 for MAS, MFT and WMFT-ability, and P<.05 WMFT-time) without significant changes in muscle tone. The post-hoc analysis (Bonferroni) showed different evolutionary patterns for function and activity measurements, and clear benefits related to Armeo® Spring training, especially on activity scales.

CONCLUSIONS: Armeo® Spring is an effective tool for rehabilitating the affected arm in patients with hemiparesis secondary to ictus, even in the chronic stage.