Nevertheless, the latest insights show that improvement of the upper limb function is possible even 1 year after stroke onset. Actual numbers might be less drastic since these studies are rather dated and specific groups of severely affected stroke patients were investigated.
#Merlin project training full#
After a severe paresis, only 7–18% regains full function of the upper limb. The majority of people who suffered a stroke have persistent problems with using the arm or hand in daily life, with estimates between 62 and 88%.
#Merlin project training trial#
Trial registration This study is registered at the Netherlands Trial Register (NL7535). Due to the sample size and study design, results should be interpreted with caution. However, because of the decreasing trend shown in all tests, it is questionable if improvements will be maintained longer than 6 months. Training effects were still present at 6 months follow-up, since arm function seemed similar to directly after training and FMA-UE results were better than at baseline. Time plots showed a decreasing trend in all tests. At 6 months follow-up, FMA-UE results were significantly better than at baseline. The WMFT, ARAT and EQ-5D did not show significant differences 6 months after the training period compared to directly after training. EuroQoL-5D (EQ-5D) was used to measure quality of life. Upper limb function was measured using the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (FMA-UE). Six months after cessation of the 6 week MERLIN training program, the upper limb function and quality of life of 11 chronic stroke patients were assessed. The aim was to determine long term effects on upper limb function and quality of life. Short term effects showed that upper limb function improved after training with MERLIN. HoMEcare aRm rehabiLItatioN (MERLIN) is a combination of an unactuated training device using serious games and a telerehabilitation platform in the patient’s home situation. While short term effects on upper limb function of stroke patients after training with robotic devices have been studied extensively, long term effects are often not addressed.
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