The impact of two robotic-assisted devices on the functional hand recovery in post-stroke adult rehabilitation: a review

Abstract

Hand movement impairment is a common complication after a stroke that impedes patients from performing Activities of Daily Living [ADLs] independently and returning to the workplace. It diminishes their quality of life and imposes a substantial socioeconomic burden. Therefore, regaining hand movement after a stroke has meaningful quality-of-life and quality-of-work-life outcomes for patients. Treatments aimed at full hand function are leading strategies for stroke recovery programs. The effects of implementing robotic devices as a form of rehabilitation alone or in combination with other rehabilitation strategies, such as conventional treatment, have been investigated in several articles. This review explains the role of rehabilitation robots and summarizes recent advances in stroke survivors’ hand rehabilitation when using Gloreha or Tyrosolution robots. We conclude that robotic devices improve post-stroke hand recovery, especially in terms of motor function and activities of daily living.