Effects of a Computerised Exercise System on Functionality of the Arm,Cognition and Quality of Life in Stroke Patients

May 3, 2021 updated by: Selin Ozen, Baskent University

The Effects of a Task Based Computerised Exercise System Versus Conventional Physiotherapy on Upper Extremity Functionality, Cognitive Function and Quality of Life in the Rehabilitation of Stroke Patients: a Randomised Control Study

Stroke occurs as a result of blood vessels of the brain becoming blocked or bleeding which in turn can result in loss of function in the limbs. Rehabilitation of patients following stroke includes repetitive, task based exercises to help regain normal limb function. Developments in stroke rehabilitation have resulted in more and more therapeutic options being available for inclusion in the treatment plan of stroke patients. The benefits of computerised task based arm and hand rehabilitation exercises in stroke rehabilitation are well known. Computer based rehabilitation supports the stroke patient in performing high intensity, multiple repetition exercises and in doing so encourages the regeneration of brain cells. In addition, it is believed that the stimulating environment provided by computerised exercise programs encourages the ability to problem solve and perform tasks. However, the effects of such computer based treatments on cognition have rarely been studied.

In Turkey to date there are no community based, task specific computerised exercise programmes available to stroke sufferers. Such systems may provide inpatient and community based stroke sufferers with a practical and economical therapeutic option as a part of stroke rehabilitation. Moreover, this may provide the patient with a mode of ongoing, long term therapeutic exercise and maintenance of skills acquired in the hospital rehabilitation period shortly after stroke.

The aim of this study was to investigate the benefits of computer based, task specific exercises when compared to conventional rehabilitation alone on arm and hand function, quality of life and cognition in stroke patients.

Study Overview

Status

Completed

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

In developed countries only 5-10% of chronic stroke patients receive an active rehabilitation program. In Turkey, there is no community based rehabilitation program available to stroke patients in the subacute - chronic phase of the disease, even though it is known that functional gain can continue in this part of the disease when supported by an adequate rehabilitation program. Equally, functional gain can be lost over time if appropriate physical therapy is discontinued.

Recent Advances in technology have allowed for the development of new approaches in stroke rehabilitation. Computer based treatment options include virtual reality (VR), robotic training and computer based task specific games. Computer based rehabilitation can encourage patients in performing high intensity, repetitive exercises which in turn aids neuroplasticity; the benefits of such treatments in upper extremity rehabilitation following stroke have been established. It is also believed that the stimulating environment provided by computed based exercises can enhance the development of problem solving and functionality in stroke patients. However, the effects of such technology on cognitive function in stroke patients has not been established in the literature. The disadvantages of VR and robotic training is that the necessary hard and software is often expensive and use of the machinery requires special training. Therefore, these options are often unavailable in rehabilitation centres. Contrary to this, computerized task specific gaming systems can be more economical and practical for both therapist and patient and can be used in the home environment without the necessity of direct supervision of a physiatrist.

A review by Johansson et al. on home computer based task specific gaming exercises in stroke patients concluded that patients enjoyed the treatment but determining the benefits of treatment require further randomized control studies of better quality to be conducted. A pilot study based on a six week computer based task specific gaming exercise program in chronic stroke patients resulted in an improvement in learnt tasks and clinical evaluation.

Rejoyce (Rehabilitation Joystick for Computerized Exercise), is a computer game based task specific exercise system developed by Rehabtronics Inc. for use as part of the treatment of stroke and spinal cord injury patients. Rejoyce aims to improve upper extremity and hand function by encouraging neuroplasticity through repeated task specific games.

The aim of this study was to study the effects of computer game based task specific exercise system on upper extremity and hand function as well as cognitive function and quality of life compared to conventional rehabilitation in stroke patients.

Patients who have developed a stroke in the past year and who have been admitted to our Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) Department in Turkey for stroke rehabilitation will be included in the study. The total number of patients to be included in the study to obtain a study power of 80% and 5% type I error is thirty.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Actual)

30

Phase

  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

  • Turkey
      • Ankara, Turkey, 06800
        • Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara Hospital

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

18 years to 80 years (Adult, Older Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Genders Eligible for Study

All

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Between the ages of 18-80 years
  • Admitted to our PRM Department with a diagnosis of hemiplegia secondary to stroke for rehabilitation
  • Upper extremity and hand Brunnstrom staging of ≥3.
  • MMSE score of ≥23.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Presence of disability of the arms and hand which affects upper extremity motor function prior to stroke
  • Presence of diplegia
  • Presence of neglect
  • Presence of visual field defect
  • Presence of loss of hearing
  • Presence of spasticity in the hemiplegic upper extremity and hand of grade 3 and above according to the Modified Ashworth Scale
  • Presence of acute musculoskeletal pain which will affect exercise participation
  • Inability to sit upright in a chair for 30 minutes.
  • Those who are clinically unstable due to comorbidities.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Double

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Computer based exercise group
The fifteen patients included in this arm of the study will receive a one hourly 'one-on-one' session of conventional physical therapy five days a week to a total of twenty hours over a four week period. In addition to this, these patients will receive half an hour of conventional occupational therapy and half an hour of Rejoyce computerized exercise seven days a week to a total of twenty eight hours over a four weeks period.
Device: Rejoyce (Rehabilitation Joystick for Computerized Exercise)
Rejoyce (Rehabilitation Joystick for Computerized Exercise), is a computer game based task specific exercise system developed by Rehabtronics Inc. for use as part of the treatment of stroke and spinal cord injury patients. Rejoyce aims to improve upper extremity and hand function by encouraging neuroplasticity through repeated task specific games.
Other: Conventional physical therapy
A physical therapy session customised to the patient's needs overseen by a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist and conducted by a physiotherapist which includes range of motion, neurophysiological and strengthening exercises, balance and coordination training and walking exercises.
Other: Occupational therapy
Task based exercises overseen by a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist and conducted by an occupational therapist aimed at improving upper arm dexterity, coordination and strength.
Active Comparator: Conventional treatment group
The fifteen patients included in this arm of the study will receive a one hourly 'one-on-one' session of conventional physical therapy five days a week, to a total of twenty hours over a four week period. In addition to this, patients in this group will receive one hourly sessions of conventional occupational therapy seven days a week to a total of twenty eight hours over a four week period.
Device: Rejoyce (Rehabilitation Joystick for Computerized Exercise)
Rejoyce (Rehabilitation Joystick for Computerized Exercise), is a computer game based task specific exercise system developed by Rehabtronics Inc. for use as part of the treatment of stroke and spinal cord injury patients. Rejoyce aims to improve upper extremity and hand function by encouraging neuroplasticity through repeated task specific games.
Other: Conventional physical therapy
A physical therapy session customised to the patient's needs overseen by a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist and conducted by a physiotherapist which includes range of motion, neurophysiological and strengthening exercises, balance and coordination training and walking exercises.
Other: Occupational therapy
Task based exercises overseen by a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist and conducted by an occupational therapist aimed at improving upper arm dexterity, coordination and strength.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Change in upper extremity impairment
Time Frame: Before treatment sessions begin and after twenty hours of conventional physical therapy and 28 hours of occupational therapy have been completed (i.e. four weeks after the initial onset of treatment).

The Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity (FMUE) Scale is a widely used and highly recommended stroke-specific, performance-based measure of impairment. It is designed to assess reflex activity, movement control and muscle strength in the upper extremity of people with post-stroke hemiplegia. It has been extensively used as an outcome measure in rehabilitation trials and to record poststroke recovery, particularly in the USA.

The FMUE Scale comprises 33 items, each scored on a scale of 0 to 2, where 0 = cannot perform, 1 = performs partially and 2 = performs fully. It is free, requires only household items for testing, and takes up to 30 minutes to administer.The total score ranges from 0-66 where 66. The higher the score the less the level of impairment.
Before treatment sessions begin and after twenty hours of conventional physical therapy and 28 hours of occupational therapy have been completed (i.e. four weeks after the initial onset of treatment).

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Change in motor activity
Time Frame: Before treatment sessions begin and after twenty hours of conventional physical therapy and 28 hours of occupational therapy have been completed (i.e. four weeks after the initial onset of treatment).
The Brunnstrom Stages of Stroke Recovery is a test that evaluates the motor development of stroke patients. In 1966, Signe Brunnstrom identified the stages of motor development observed in a large number of hemiplegic patients. In this staging, the hemiplegic upper extremity, lower extremity and hand are evaluated separately and the motor development of these three areas are staged from 1-6. The lowest stage according to this staging system is stage 1 (flask, no movement); the highest stage is stage 6 (normal motor function). Higher Brunnstrom stages indicate better motor development.
Before treatment sessions begin and after twenty hours of conventional physical therapy and 28 hours of occupational therapy have been completed (i.e. four weeks after the initial onset of treatment).
Mini mental state examination (MMSE)
Time Frame: Before treatment sessions begin and after twenty hours of conventional physical therapy and 28 hours of occupational therapy have been completed (i.e. four weeks after the initial onset of treatment).
The MMS is a test used to evaluate cognitive function which consists of eleven questions. The maximum score which can be obtained is thirty. The cut off score for normal cognitive function is 23. The MMS is divided into two sections, the first of which requires vocal responses only and covers orientation, memory, and attention; the maximum score is 21. The second part tests ability to name, follow verbal and written commands, write a sentence spontaneously, and copy a complex polygon similar to a Bender-Gestalt Figure; the maximum score is nine. The validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the MMS has been studied and proven
Before treatment sessions begin and after twenty hours of conventional physical therapy and 28 hours of occupational therapy have been completed (i.e. four weeks after the initial onset of treatment).
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test
Time Frame: Before treatment sessions begin and after twenty hours of conventional physical therapy and 28 hours of occupational therapy have been completed (i.e. four weeks after the initial onset of treatment).
The MoCA is used to assess and detect mild cognitive impairment and has been shown to be a reliable tool in the assessment of cognitive function following acute onset of stroke. The MoCA is a thirty point test with a cut off for 'normal' cognition of 21. The MoCA consists of a series of questions aimed at evaluating short-term memory recall, visuospatial abilities, executive functions, attention, concentration, and working memory and language.
Before treatment sessions begin and after twenty hours of conventional physical therapy and 28 hours of occupational therapy have been completed (i.e. four weeks after the initial onset of treatment).
Stroke Specific Quality of Life (SS-QOL) Scale
Time Frame: Before treatment sessions begin and after twenty hours of conventional physical therapy and 28 hours of occupational therapy have been completed (i.e. four weeks after the initial onset of treatment).
The SS-QOL is a questionnaire used to evaluate a stroke patient's independence in activities of daily living, social role within the family and community and quality of life (QOL). The SS-QOL consists of 49 questions which are each given a score between 1 and 5 giving a total score between 49 and 245. The higher the total score the better the patient's QOL. The validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the SS-QOL has been studied.
Before treatment sessions begin and after twenty hours of conventional physical therapy and 28 hours of occupational therapy have been completed (i.e. four weeks after the initial onset of treatment).

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Baskent University

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Selin Ozen, MBBS,BSc, Baskent University Faculty of Medicine

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

General Publications

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

August 1, 2019

Primary Completion (Actual)

November 15, 2020

Study Completion (Actual)

November 15, 2020

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

July 25, 2019

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

July 26, 2019

First Posted (Actual)

July 29, 2019

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

May 4, 2021

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

May 3, 2021

Last Verified

May 1, 2021

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • KA19/192

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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