背景:具有根据需要进行辅助控制的软机器人手套具有在需要时协助日常活动的能力,同时在用户的可能性内刺激主动和高度功能性的运动。在手套支持下使用手活动可能会对不受支持的手功能进行培训。
目的:评估在日常活动中在家中作为辅助设备的握力支撑型机器人手套的治疗效果。
方法:这项多中心干预试验包括3项预先评估(如果稳态=PRE,则为平均值),一次后评估(POST),和一项后续评估(FU)。包括慢性手功能受限的参与者。参与者在他们的家庭环境中使用了六个星期的Carbonhand手套,他们受影响最严重的手。他们可以自由选择使用手套的活动以及使用手套的时间。主要结果指标是握力,次要结果指标是捏合强度,手功能和手套使用时间。
结果:包括63例因各种疾病而导致手功能受限的患者。握力显著改善(差异PRE-POST)(+1.9kg,CI0.8至3.1;p=0.002)和手部功能,根据杰布森-泰勒手函数检验(-7.7s,CI-13.4至-1.9;p=0.002)和动作研究手臂测试(+1.0分,IQR2.0;p≤0.001)。FU的改进持续存在。在六周的手套使用中,所有手指的捏力略有改善,然而,这些差异并没有达到意义。参与者使用软机器人手套的总平均时间为33.0小时(SD35.3),相当于330分钟/周(SD354)或47分钟/天(SD51)。无严重不良事件发生。
结论:目前的研究结果表明,在家中使用支撑握力的软机器人手套作为辅助装置六周,对无支撑的握力和手部功能产生了治疗效果。手套的使用时间也表明,这种可穿戴,轻便手套能够帮助参与者长时间执行日常任务。
BACKGROUND: Soft-robotic gloves with an assist-as-needed control have the ability to assist daily activities where needed, while stimulating active and highly functional movements within the user\'s possibilities. Employment of
hand activities with glove support might act as training for unsupported
hand function.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of a grip-supporting soft-robotic glove as an assistive device at home during daily activities.
METHODS: This multicentre intervention trial consisted of 3 pre-assessments (averaged if steady state = PRE), one post-assessment (POST), and one follow-up assessment (FU). Participants with chronic
hand function limitations were included. Participants used the Carbonhand glove during six weeks in their home environment on their most affected hand. They were free to choose which activities to use the glove with and for how long. The primary outcome measure was grip strength, secondary outcome measures were pinch strength,
hand function and glove use time.
RESULTS: 63 patients with limitations in
hand function resulting from various disorders were included. Significant improvements (difference PRE-POST) were found for grip strength (+1.9 kg, CI 0.8 to 3.1; p = 0.002) and hand function, as measured by Jebson-Taylor
Hand Function Test (-7.7 s, CI -13.4 to -1.9; p = 0.002) and Action Research Arm Test (+1.0 point, IQR 2.0; p≤0.001). Improvements persisted at FU. Pinch strength improved slightly in all fingers over six-week glove use, however these differences didn\'t achieve significance. Participants used the soft-robotic glove for a total average of 33.0 hours (SD 35.3), equivalent to 330 min/week (SD 354) or 47 min/day (SD 51). No serious adverse events occurred.
CONCLUSIONS: The present findings showed that six weeks use of a grip-supporting soft-robotic glove as an assistive device at home resulted in a therapeutic effect on unsupported grip strength and hand function. The glove use time also showed that this wearable, lightweight glove was able to assist participants with the performance of daily tasks for prolonged periods.