The Efficacy of Robotic-Assisted Rehabilitation for Patients with Spinal Cord Injuries
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs) can cause severe disability, impacting patients' quality of life and functional independence. Robotic-assisted rehabilitation has been gaining attention as a promising strategy to promote motor recovery in SCI patients, although the extent of its efficacy requires further exploration.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of robotic-assisted rehabilitation in improving functional mobility, upper limb function, and quality of life in patients with SCIs.
METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 80 patients with SCIs were assigned to either a robotic-assisted rehabilitation group or a traditional therapy group. Interventions were conducted for six weeks, and outcome measures tools used were SCQOL (spinal cord injury quality of life Questionnaire), GRASSP (Graded Redefined Assessment of Strength, Sensibility and Prehension) and SCIM (Spinal Cord Independence Measure.
RESULTS: Both groups showed improvements from baseline to post-intervention, but the robotic-assisted group showed significantly greater improvements in all outcome measures.
CONCLUSION: Robotic-assisted rehabilitation appears to be a promising intervention for improving functional outcomes and quality of life in patients with SCIs.
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