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Dynamic-orthosis Programs for Stroke Hand Function

Not Applicable
Recruiting
Conditions
Stroke
Interventions
Device: Dynamic-orthosis
Other: Traditional stroke occupational therapy training
Registration Number
NCT06271187
Lead Sponsor
National Cheng-Kung University Hospital
Brief Summary

This study aims to investigate the training benefits of modular 3D printed dynamic orthoses on upper limb function in stroke survivors.

Detailed Description

This study is a randomized controlled intervention trial. Participants are recruited from two medical centers in Taiwan and undergo a continuous 6-week intervention for post-stroke movement rehabilitation. The control group receives traditional stroke occupational therapy rehabilitation. The experimental group, in addition to traditional treatment, supplements their therapy with the use of modular 3D printed dynamic orthoses developed by the research team for home training. Both groups undergo two effectiveness follow-up assessments, one month and two months after the intervention.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
80
Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Dynamic-orthosis training groupTraditional stroke occupational therapy trainingParticipants will undergo traditional occupational therapy (2-3 times per week, one hour per session, for a total of six weeks), supplemented with an additional home-based dynamic orthotic therapy program (five days per week, one hour per session, for six weeks). The style of the dynamic orthosis will be selected by the researchers based on the participants' movement performance and rehabilitation goals, and it will be adjusted or replaced as their abilities progress.
Dynamic-orthosis training groupDynamic-orthosisParticipants will undergo traditional occupational therapy (2-3 times per week, one hour per session, for a total of six weeks), supplemented with an additional home-based dynamic orthotic therapy program (five days per week, one hour per session, for six weeks). The style of the dynamic orthosis will be selected by the researchers based on the participants' movement performance and rehabilitation goals, and it will be adjusted or replaced as their abilities progress.
Regular training groupTraditional stroke occupational therapy trainingParticipants will receive traditional occupational therapy (2-3 sessions per week, one hour per session, for a total of six weeks). The training program includes muscle strength training, reaching and grasping exercises, manual tone control, motor facilitation, and activities of daily living training. During the study period, participants will not wear any hand dynamic orthosis during training.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Box and Block TestPre-test(Week 0), post-test(Week 6), follow-up assessment(Week 10 & Week 14)

The Box and Block Test (BBT) is a tool used to assess manual dexterity, known for its short assessment time, simplicity, and ease of understanding. It exhibits excellent test-retest reliability (0.96) and inter-rater reliability (0.99). The test involves counting the number of cubes a person can move within one minute, with a higher quantity indicating better functionality. The size of the cubes is 2.5cm³, and there are a total of 150 cubes. Past research suggests a Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) value of 5.5 cubes for the BBT.

Fugl-Meyer Assessment- Upper ExtremityPre-test(Week 0), post-test(Week 6), follow-up assessment(Week 10 & Week 14)

The Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) is a specialized test designed for evaluating motor function in individuals post-stroke. It employs an ordinal scale to score 33 items related to upper limb movements, with a total score of 66 points. Each item reflects movements indicative of motor function in post-stroke hemiparetic patients, covering a range from proximal to distal joints.

The FMA-UE has undergone extensive testing and has been found to possess excellent psychometric properties. It is considered an effective assessment tool for upper limb motor function, particularly suitable for chronic stroke patients with moderate to severe impairments.

Motor Activity LogPre-test(Week 0), post-test(Week 6), follow-up assessment(Week 10 & Week 14)

The Motor Activity Log (MAL) is a questionnaire-based assessment that evaluates the amount of use (AOU) and quality of movement (QOM) of the affected side in daily activities. The scoring for amount of use ranges from 0 (never using the affected hand in the activity) to 5 (always using the affected hand in the activity). Quality of movement is scored from 0 (unable to use the affected hand) to 5 (movement quality comparable to pre-stroke). There are a total of 28 items in the assessment, recording the average scores for both amount of use and movement quality for each item. Previous research has demonstrated good construct validity for this scale, with a Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) ranging from 1.0 to 1.1 points.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Modified Ashworth scalePre-test(Week 0), post-test(Week 6), follow-up assessment(Week 10 & Week 14)

The MAS (Modified Ashworth Scale) utilizes quick stretching to assess muscle tone, with testing conducted on the upper limb, specifically the hand, elbow, wrist, and fingers. For ease of statistical analysis, the scale is converted into numerical values ranging from 0 to 5, with lower scores indicating lower muscle tone.

Upper limb joint range of motionPre-test(Week 0), post-test(Week 6), follow-up assessment(Week 10 & Week 14)

This study will use a goniometer to measure the upper limb joint range of motion in patients, including the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and fingers. The measurements encompass passive range of motion (PROM), active range of motion without wearing orthosis (AROM), and active-assisted range of motion with orthosis assistance (AAROM).

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

National Cheng Kung University

🇨🇳

Tainan, Taiwan

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