EFFECTS OF ROBOTIC HAND TRAINING ON UPPER LIMB MOTOR FUNCTION, HAND DEXTERITY AND GRIP STRENGTH IN POST STROKE PATIENTS

Abstract

Stroke, or cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide and occurs due to reduced cerebral blood flow leading to neurological impairment. Approximately 85% of stroke survivors experience upper limb dysfunction, and nearly 50–80% fail to regain full recovery within 3–6 months, even with conventional rehabilitation. Impairments in motor control, grip strength, and dexterity limit independence in activities of daily living, creating a need for innovative, intensive, and task-specific rehabilitation strategies.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a robotic hand training device on upper limb motor function, dexterity, and grip strength in chronic stroke patients.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Physiotherapy Department of DHQ Hospital Sheikhupura on 38 chronic stroke patients aged 40–70 years. Participants were recruited using non-probability convenience sampling and randomly allocated into two groups. Group A (n=19) received robotic hand therapy for 30–45 minutes, five days per week, over eight weeks. Group B (n=19) underwent conventional physiotherapy including 20 minutes of exercise and 10–15 minutes of electrotherapy with the same frequency and duration. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after eight weeks using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT), and SF-36 Quality of Life Scale. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 25 using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test for within-group and the Mann–Whitney U test for between-group comparisons, with significance set at p<0.05.

Results: Significant improvements were observed in both groups; however, Group A demonstrated superior outcomes. MAS scores improved by –2.74 in Group A versus –0.68 in Group B (p=0.00). FMA scores increased by +30.00 in Group A compared with +12.07 in Group B (p=0.00). Quality of life improved by +31.21 in Group A and +8.05 in Group B (p=0.00). Dexterity measured by 9HPT showed a reduction in completion time of –10.53 seconds in Group A compared with –2.37 seconds in Group B (p=0.00).

Conclusion: Both rehabilitation strategies improved upper limb outcomes in chronic stroke patients; however, robotic hand training produced significantly greater gains in motor function, dexterity, grip strength, and quality of life compared with conventional therapy. These findings support the integration of robotic devices as an effective adjunct to standard rehabilitation in stroke care.

Background: Stroke, or cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide and occurs due to reduced cerebral blood flow leading to neurological impairment. Approximately 85% of stroke survivors experience upper limb dysfunction, and nearly 50–80% fail to regain full recovery within 3–6 months, even with conventional rehabilitation. Impairments in motor control, grip strength, and dexterity limit independence in activities of daily living, creating a need for innovative, intensive, and task-specific rehabilitation strategies.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a robotic hand training device on upper limb motor function, dexterity, and grip strength in chronic stroke patients.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Physiotherapy Department of DHQ Hospital Sheikhupura on 38 chronic stroke patients aged 40–70 years. Participants were recruited using non-probability convenience sampling and randomly allocated into two groups. Group A (n=19) received robotic hand therapy for 30–45 minutes, five days per week, over eight weeks. Group B (n=19) underwent conventional physiotherapy including 20 minutes of exercise and 10–15 minutes of electrotherapy with the same frequency and duration. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after eight weeks using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT), and SF-36 Quality of Life Scale. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 25 using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test for within-group and the Mann–Whitney U test for between-group comparisons, with significance set at p<0.05.

Results: Significant improvements were observed in both groups; however, Group A demonstrated superior outcomes. MAS scores improved by –2.74 in Group A versus –0.68 in Group B (p=0.00). FMA scores increased by +30.00 in Group A compared with +12.07 in Group B (p=0.00). Quality of life improved by +31.21 in Group A and +8.05 in Group B (p=0.00). Dexterity measured by 9HPT showed a reduction in completion time of –10.53 seconds in Group A compared with –2.37 seconds in Group B (p=0.00).

Conclusion: Both rehabilitation strategies improved upper limb outcomes in chronic stroke patients; however, robotic hand training produced significantly greater gains in motor function, dexterity, grip strength, and quality of life compared with conventional therapy. These findings support the integration of robotic devices as an effective adjunct to standard rehabilitation in stroke care.