Multi-mode Stroke Rehabilitation System: Development and Validation of Clinical Efficacy

A Novel, Digital, and Interactive Multi-mode Stroke Rehabilitation System of Arm and Hand: Development and Validation of Clinical Efficacy

The specific study aims will be: To develop the novel, digital, and interactive MSR system of arm and hand with integrated digital action observation therapy (AOT) and mirror therapy (MT). To pilot usability testing for examining the feasibility of this new MSR system from the users' experiences and feedback. To examine the treatment effects of digital AOT, digital MT and a control intervention in patients with stroke by conducting a randomized controlled trial. To identify who will be the possible good responders to digital AOT and MT based on their baseline motor function and mental imagery abilities.

Phase I: Multi-mode stroke rehabilitation (MSR) System Development & Usability Testing Ten patients with stroke and 4 certified occupational therapists were recruited in this phase I study. During the pilot testing, each stroke patient will try to use each training mode of digital AOT and MT by the assistance of the therapist. At the end of the pilot testing, the patients and the therapists will be asked to complete the System Usability Scale and a self-designed questionnaire to assess the user experience and perspective about this new MSR system and their view of its suitability for stroke patients. Phase II: Validation of Clinical Treatment Efficacy This three-arm, single-blind, randomized controlled trial will investigate the treatment effects among the 3 groups of digital AOT, digital MT, and dose-matched control intervention. An estimated 60 patients with stroke will be recruited to participate in this phase II study. Each participant will receive a total of 15 training sessions (60 minutes per session) for 3 to 4 weeks. Clinical outcome measures will be conducted at baseline, immediately after treatment (the fourth week), and at 1 month follow-up after treatment.

The common categories of motor actions and tasks will be selected and included in this group: (a) active range of motion (AROM) exercises, (b) reaching movement or object manipulation, and (c) upper-limb functional tasks.

The common categories of motor actions and tasks will be selected and included in this group: (a) active range of motion (AROM) exercises, (b) reaching movement or object manipulation, and (c) upper-limb functional tasks.

The common categories of motor actions and tasks will be selected and included in this group: (a) active range of motion (AROM) exercises, (b) reaching movement or object manipulation, and (c) upper-limb functional tasks.

The participants will observe the real-time self-recorded visual illusion, and move their upper limbs as could as possible.

The participants will receive upper-limb training without providing videos for observing neither providing them mirror illusions of movements.

The upper-limb subsection of Fugl-Meyer Assessment is a measure with sound psychometric properties to evaluate motor impairments.

The Movement Imagery Questionnaire-Revised, Second Edition is a 14-item questionnaire with sound reliability and validity to evaluate the ability of motion imagination in patients with stroke.

The Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory is a reliable and validated measure to assess the independence of stroke patients to perform activities of daily living with an affected upper limb.

The Box and Block Test is a tool with sound reliability and validity to evaluate hand dexterity of stroke patients.

The Revised Nottingham Sensory Assessment is a standardized measure with good reliability to assess sensory function in patients with stroke.

The Barthel Index is a validated tool designed to measure activities reflecting the daily living independence.

The Motor Activity Log is a semi-structured interview with good psychometric properties to assess the level of use of affected upper limb in 30 main activities of daily living.

The questionnaire of EQ-5D-5L contains 5 dimensions, including mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression, and uses a 5-point Likert scale scored from 1 (no problem) to 5 (unable to/extreme problems); whereas, the numerical description of 5 dimensions represents the health state.

The VAS of EQ-5D-5L scores will be scored from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating better overall current health.

The OPAL wearable sensors is used to objectively record the movements of an affected upper limb in patients with stroke in real time, such as joint angles. Joint angles of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist will be calculated.

The OPAL wearable sensors is used to objectively record the movements of an affected upper limb in patients with stroke in real time, such as joint velocity. The angular velocity of shoulder, elbow, and wrist will be also collected.

Phase I: Multi-mode stroke rehabilitation (MSR) System Development and Usability Testing For stroke patients Inclusion Criteria: diagnosed as having a unilateral stroke; aged from 20 to 80 years; a baseline score of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment in a range of 20 to 60; able to follow the instructions and able to provide user feedback verbally; without aphasia and neglect For therapists Inclusion Criteria: holding an occupational therapist license Phase II: Validation of Clinical Treatment Efficacy Inclusion Criteria: diagnosed as having a unilateral stroke; at least 6 months after stroke onset; aged from 20 to 80 years; a baseline score of FMA in a range of 20 to 60; able to follow the study instructions; capable of participating in therapy and assessment sessions Exclusion Criteria: global or receptive aphasia, severe neglect, major medical problems or comorbidities that have influenced upper-limb usage or caused severe pain