The Usage of Physiotherapeutic Intervention to Improve the Function Ability of the Upper Limb

Abstract

Nina Sladekova, Elena Ziakova and Peter Hybela

Background: The aim of clinical study was to investigate and compare impact of robotic assisted therapy by using virtual reality to classical kinesiotherapy improving the function abilities of upper limb.

Patients and Methods: 60 patients were divided randomly into two groups. Main group completed a robotic assisted therapy and comparative group completed classical kinesiotherapy. The patients with impaired upper limb were from 6 to 17 years old and all underwent twenty therapies.

Results: Statistically significant results were obtained in the patients who completed a robotic assisted therapy by ArmeoSpring® in all Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Physical Performance, the best improvement (p = 0.000) in all tested blocks, apart from block H, where was the statistical significant (p = 0.002). Comparative group of the patients achieved statistically significant results only in testing of the Fugl - Meyer in block of sum of motor function A-D (p = 0.009). In other blocks were the results without statistically significant p ≥ 0.05.

Conclusion: The patients with cerebral palsy are statistically more effective from robotic assisted therapy by using virtual reality for the improvement of function ability of paretic upper limb, than those who completed the classical kinesiotherapy

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