Robot-Assisted Tai Chi for Upper Limb Rehabilitation in Stroke Patients

Launched by JING TAO · Mar 20, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of Robot-Assisted Tai Chi Training (RATT) on helping stroke patients improve their arm and hand movements. Researchers want to see if using a robot to guide Tai Chi exercises can help patients regain better coordination and strength compared to standard rehabilitation exercises like stretching and repetitive tasks. Participants will be split into two groups: one group will practice the robot-assisted Tai Chi, while the other group will do traditional rehabilitation exercises. Both groups will meet for 60 minutes a day, five days a week, for four weeks. The researchers will check how much each group improves using specific assessments.

To be eligible for the trial, participants must be between 40 and 80 years old, have had their first stroke affecting one side of their body, and have some movement ability in their arm. They also need to be able to consent to participate. However, people with severe cognitive issues, certain physical limitations, or other serious health conditions will not be able to join. The trial is not currently recruiting participants, but it aims to provide valuable insights into new rehabilitation methods for stroke recovery.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Diagnosed with stroke confirmed by neuroimaging (CT/MRI).
• • 2. Brunnstrom Upper Extremity Stage Ⅱ- III.
• • 3. First-ever stroke with unilateral hemiplegia.
• • 4. Aged 40-80 years, regardless of gender.
• • 5. Voluntarily participated and provided written informed consent. Participants meeting all above criteria were enrolled.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Severe cognitive impairment (Montreal Cognitive Assessment score \<10).
• • 2. Poor sitting balance (\< Grade 2) or inability to maintain seated position for \>60 minutes.
• • 3. Hypertonia (modified Ashworth Scale score \>2 in affected limb).
• • 4. Significant hemiplegic shoulder pain (Visual Analogue Scale \>3).
• • 5. Severe aphasia (Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination score ≤3).
• • 6. Severe visual impairment precluding robot-assisted upper limb training.
• • 7. Moderate-to-severe depression (17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score \>17).
• • 8. Contraindications to MRI (e.g., metal implants, claustrophobia).
• • 9. Pre-existing neuromuscular disorders, active malignancies, or uncontrolled systemic diseases (cardiac, renal, hepatic).
• • 10. Concurrent participation in other clinical trials affecting study outcomes. Participants meeting any of the above criteria were excluded.