The Effectiveness of Robot Assisted Upper Limb Training for Child With MoyaMoya Disease: Case Study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of robot-assisted upper limb rehabilitation training on hand and upper limb function in children with Moya-Moya disease. The intervention method used InMotion®RM, an upper limb-assisted rehabilitation robot, and the evaluation was conducted once each pre- and post-assessment, and the treatment was conducted 10 times for 30 minutes, a total of 12 sessions. The functional movement of the upper limb and hand was evaluated using the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test and the program inherent in the InMotion®RM. The results were compared through a visual analysis using tables and graphs. After the training, the Jepson-Taylor Hand Function Test score improved in all areas, compared to the baseline. Evaluation using the program inherent in InMotion®RM showed improvement in the smoothness, accuracy, efficiency, and stability of upper limb movement. The results of this case study suggest that robot-assisted upper limb training is applicable to children with Moya-Moya disease and that it has a positive effect on improving the function and stability of the upper limb. In the future, more research subjects will be needed to study the method and effectiveness of robot-assisted upper limb training through group research.