Comparing Robot-Assisted and Conventional Occupational Therapy for Improving Arm and Hand Function in Adults with Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to compare the effects of robot-assisted therapy using the ArmeoSpring device with conventional occupational therapy on upper limb function in individuals with cervical spinal cord injury cSCI. It focuses on determining which therapy better improves arm and hand function during the intermediate phase of injury, between 2 weeks and 6 months post-injury. The study is designed as a cross-over trial where participants receive both therapies in random order to assess their effectiveness. Participants undergo two consecutive 6-week therapy periods. One period involves unilateral robot-assisted therapy using the ArmeoSpring, an arm orthosis providing adjustable antigravity support with a spring system, delivered 3 times per week for 30 minutes each session. The other period involves unilateral conventional occupational therapy consisting of strengthening, grasping, fine motor, and activity-based tasks with the same frequency and duration. The order of therapies is randomly assigned, with assessments conducted before, between, and after the therapy periods. Throughout the study, participants complete baseline, intermediate, post, and follow-up assessments measuring grasp performance, upper limb function quality, independence in daily activities, motor scores, hand strength, arm control, therapy intensity, and motivation. The follow-up assessment occurs if the post-assessment was done before 150 days post-injury. This allows researchers to monitor changes over time and compare the impact of each therapy on upper limb recovery and daily functioning.

Robot-assisted vs. Conventional Occupational Therapy of the Upper Limb in Individuals With Cervical Spinal Cord Injury