Efficacy of The Use of Robotic Technology In Patients After Stroke

Introduction: The purpose of neurophysiotherapeutic approaches in patients after stroke is, among other things, to increase sensory perception and consequently improve the hand function and the affected upper limb function. Methods: In a multiple case study, we used the mixed methods design, more specifically an explanatory approach. Based on evidence-based physiotherapy, we prepared a one-month neurophysiotherapy program in combination with the Tipstim electrostimulation glove and examined its short-term efficacy on sensory perception, surface sensitivity, and mass and tweezers grip in patients after stroke. Results: Based on the analysis of quantitative results of surface sensitivity tests, we find that there was an improvement in the results of dynamometer mass grip tests, sharp-blunt, hot-cold and joint position tests, in the post-testing phase. In the qualitative part of the case study, we conducted semi-structured interviews with stroke patients. Conclusions: Based on the analysis of quantitative and qualitative results, we find that in this way we can develop a more condensed understanding of the short-term effectiveness of the neurophysiotherapy program in combination with the use of Tipstim electrostimulation glove on improvement of surface sensitivity and dynamometer mass and tweezers grip tests results.