Effectiveness of robot-assisted training added to conventional rehabilitation in patients with humeral fracture early after surgical treatment: protocol of a randomised, controlled, multicentre trial.

Journal: Trials
PMID:

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The incidence of proximal humeral fractures increases with age. The functional recovery of the upper arm after such fractures is slow, and results are often disappointing. Treatment is associated with long immobilisation periods. Evidence-based exercise guidelines are missing. Loss of muscle mass as well as reduced range of motion and motor performance are common consequences. These losses could be partly counteracted by training interventions using robot-assisted arm support of the affected arm derived from neurorehabilitation. Thus, shorter immobilisation could be reached. Thus far, this approach has been tested in only a few small studies. The aim of the present study is to examine whether assistive robotic training augmenting conventional occupational and physical therapy can improve functional shoulder outcomes.

Authors

  • Corinna Nerz
    Department of Clinical Gerontology, Robert-Bosch-Hospital, Auerbachstrasse 110, 70376, Stuttgart, Germany. corinna.nerz@rbk.de.
  • Lars Schwickert
  • Clemens Becker
  • Stefan Studier-Fischer
    Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, BG Trauma Centre Ludwigshafen, Ludwig-Guttmann-Strasse 13, 67071, Ludwigshafen, Germany.
  • Janina Anna Müßig
    Institute of Biomechanics, BG Trauma Centre Murnau, Professor-Küntscher-Strasse 8, 82418, Murnau am Staffelsee, Germany.
  • Peter Augat
    Institute of Biomechanics, BG Trauma Centre Murnau, Professor-Küntscher-Strasse 8, 82418, Murnau am Staffelsee, Germany.