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

Abstract

Aim: Stroke often leads to persistent motor and cognitive impairments, which can significantly limit functional independence. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a robot-assisted physiotherapy program on motor and cognitive outcomes in individuals with hemiparetic stroke.

Methods: Twenty individuals with hemiparetic stroke were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG, n = 10), receiving robot-assisted physiotherapy (THERA-Trainer-based training) combined with Bobath exercises, or a control group (CG, n = 10), receiving patient-specific Bobath exercises alone. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was administered at baseline to assess cognitive status. Outcome measures included the Digit Span Forward (DSF), Digit Span Backward (DSB), Frenchay Arm Test, Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Extremity (FMA-LE), Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest), Timed Up and Go (TUG), Timed Up and Go Cognitive (TUG-C), and Five Times Sit-to-Stand (5STS). Oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and heart rate (HR) were monitored at baseline, at the end of the 5STS, and 1 min after the test.

Results: The EG demonstrated significantly greater improvements in both cognitive performance and upper and lower limb motor function compared to the CG (p < 0.05). In addition, the EG showed superior improvements in TUG (p = 0.001) and TUG-C (p < 0.001), enhanced post-test SpO₂ recovery (p = 0.011), and reduced baseline HR (p = 0.001).

Conclusion: These findings suggest that integrating robot-assisted physiotherapy into standard rehabilitation may provide clinically meaningful benefits in individuals with subacute stroke. The combined approach appears to enhance both motor and cognitive recovery, supporting improved functional independence.