Robot-assisted TherapyStudy of Robot-assisted Arm Therapy for Acute Stroke Patients

Inclusion criteria Right hemisphere, unilateral ischemic stroke with onset of less than 15 days that results in arm weakness Right-handed 65-84 years of age Manual Muscle Test score of at least 2/5 Must be able to follow 2-3 step commands Head, neck, and trunk control to maintain an upright posture for a minimum of 45 minutes Some synergistic movement at shoulder Active shoulder flexion and/or abduction greater then 30 degrees Active elbow flexion of 45 degrees or more

Exclusion criteria

• Previous stroke history
• Hemorrhagic stroke, cerebellar stroke, or subarachnoid hemorrhage
• Contractures in the involved upper extremity at the shoulder, elbow, or wrist
• Moderate to severe tone in the involved upper extremity
• Flaccid involved upper extremity
• Full, active isolated movement of the involved upper extremity
• Corrected visual acuity worse than 20/50 for distance
• Cognitive or other deficits that would negatively affect their ability to follow directions or track visual targets
• Unstable cardiovascular orthopedic or neurological conditions that would preclude exercise in short-duration, high work-load trials