The effects of robot-assisted physiotherapy on motor and cognitive recovery in individuals with hemiparetic stroke: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

In 30 seconds

This pilot randomized controlled trial compared robot-assisted physiotherapy plus Bobath exercises with patient-specific Bobath exercises alone in 20 individuals with hemiparetic stroke. The experimental group had significantly greater improvements in cognitive performance and upper- and lower-limb motor function. It also showed greater improvement in Timed Up and Go (TUG; p = 0.001) and TUG-C (p < 0.001), alongside better post-test oxygen saturation recovery and lower baseline heart rate. The findings suggest potential benefits from adding robot-assisted training, but the small pilot study does not establish the effectiveness of this approach more broadly.

Key findings

• The robot-assisted group had significantly greater cognitive and upper- and lower-limb motor improvements than the Bobath-only group (p < 0.05).
• TUG improved more in the robot-assisted group (p = 0.001), as did TUG-C (p < 0.001).
• The robot-assisted group showed enhanced post-test SpO₂ recovery (p = 0.011) and reduced baseline heart rate (p = 0.001).

Why it matters

Motor and cognitive impairments after stroke can limit functional independence. This trial suggests that combining robot-assisted physiotherapy with Bobath exercises may improve both domains, as well as mobility-related test performance. The results provide a rationale for further evaluation of integrated rehabilitation approaches, while the pilot scale calls for caution in interpreting their clinical significance.

What to keep in mind

This was a pilot trial with only 20 participants, limiting the strength and generalisability of its findings.