Robot Assisted Training for the Upper Limb after Stroke (RATULS): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Loss of arm function is a common and distressing consequence of stroke. We describe the protocol for a pragmatic, multicentre randomised controlled trial to determine whether robot-assisted training improves upper limb function following stroke.

Methods/design

Study design: a pragmatic, three-arm, multicentre randomised controlled trial, economic analysis and process evaluation.

Setting

NHS stroke services.

Participants

adults with acute or chronic first-ever stroke (1 week to 5 years post stroke) causing moderate to severe upper limb functional limitation. Randomisation groups: 1. Robot-assisted training using the InMotion robotic gym system for 45 min, three times/week for 12 weeks 2. Enhanced upper limb therapy for 45 min, three times/week for 12 

SUBMITTER: Rodgers H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5520386 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature