title: The impact of robot-mediated adaptive I-TRAVLE training on impaired upper limb function in chronic stroke and multiple sclerosis.
abstract: The current study aimed to investigate proof-of-concept efficacy of an individualized, robot-mediated training regime for people with MS (pwMS) and stroke patients.
  
  
  
  Thirteen pwMS and 14 chronic stroke patients performed 36 (stroke) or 40 (pwMS) training sessions with the I-TRAVLE system. Evaluation of upper limb function was performed at baseline, after training and at 3 months follow-up. Clinical outcome measures consisted of active range of motion (ROM), Motricity Index, Jamar handgrip strength, perceived fatigue and strength, Wolf Motor Function Test (WFMT) and ABILHAND. Robot-generated outcome measures consisted of movement velocity, ROM and actual covered distance compared to straight-line distance.
  
  
  
  In pwMS, significant improvements were found after training in active shoulder ROM, handgrip strength, perceived strength and WMFT activities. No significant change in clinical outcome was found in stroke patients, except for perceived strength. Significant improvement in speed and movement duration was found after training in both groups. At follow-up, clinical outcome deteriorated in pwMS and was maintained in stroke patients.
  
  
  
  Robot-mediated training resulted in improved movement coordination in both groups, as well as clinical improvement in pwMS. Absence of functional improvements in stroke patients may relate to severe upper limb dysfunction at baseline. Implications for Rehabilitation Robot-mediated training improved strength, active range of motion and upper limb capacity in pwMS. Robot-mediated therapy allows for adapted training difficulty.
authors.affiliation: a Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences , REVAL Rehabilitation Research Center, BIOMED Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University , Diepenbeek , Belgium.
authors.forename: Anneleen
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Maris
authors.affiliation: b Expertise Centre for Digital Media - tUL - iMinds, Hasselt University , Diepenbeek , Belgium.
authors.forename: Karin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Coninx
authors.affiliation: c Adelante Centre of Expertise in Rehabilitation and Audiology , Hoensbroek , The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Henk
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Seelen
authors.affiliation: d Rehabilitation and MS Center , Overpelt , Belgium.
authors.forename: Veronik
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Truyens
authors.affiliation: b Expertise Centre for Digital Media - tUL - iMinds, Hasselt University , Diepenbeek , Belgium.
authors.forename: Tom
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: De Weyer
authors.affiliation: c Adelante Centre of Expertise in Rehabilitation and Audiology , Hoensbroek , The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Geers
authors.affiliation: d Rehabilitation and MS Center , Overpelt , Belgium.
authors.forename: Mieke
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lemmens
authors.affiliation: d Rehabilitation and MS Center , Overpelt , Belgium.
authors.forename: Jolijn
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Coolen
authors.affiliation: c Adelante Centre of Expertise in Rehabilitation and Audiology , Hoensbroek , The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Stupar
authors.affiliation: a Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences , REVAL Rehabilitation Research Center, BIOMED Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University , Diepenbeek , Belgium.
authors.forename: Ilse
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Lamers
authors.affiliation: a Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences , REVAL Rehabilitation Research Center, BIOMED Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University , Diepenbeek , Belgium.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Feys
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D018763:Muscle Fatigue; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012371:Robotics; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D034941:Upper Extremity
keywords: Haptic feedback; multiple sclerosis; rehabilitation; stroke; upper limb; virtual reality