Preliminary results of training with gravity compensation of the arm in chronic stroke survivors

Abstract

After stroke, arm function can be limited by a reduction in the selectivity of movements, due to involuntary coupling of shoulder abduction and elbow flexion, limiting the ability to reach. Gravity compensation of the arm reduces the required active shoulder abduction torques, which results in a larger range of motion instantaneously. Integration of a motivating rehabilitation game in the training program stimulates motor relearning processes during training. During 6 weeks, 8 chronic stroke survivors received 3 sessions of 30 minutes gravity compensated reach training per week using a rehabilitation game, which was evaluated by assessing motor status and a circle drawing task before and after training. After gravity compensation training, Fugl Meyer scores and the range of motion obtained from the circle drawing task had improved in a seven of the eight chronic stroke survivors. The present findings indicate that gravity compensation in combination with rehab games can be a valuable training modality for stroke rehabilitation.