Combined robot motor assistance with neural circuit-based virtual reality (NeuCir-VR) lower extremity rehabilitation training in patients after stroke: a study protocol for a single-centre randomised controlled trial.

Journal: BMJ open
Published Date:

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Improving lower extremity motor function is the focus and difficulty of post-stroke rehabilitation treatment. More recently, robot-assisted and virtual reality (VR) training are commonly used in post-stroke rehabilitation and are considered feasible treatment methods. Here, we developed a rehabilitation system combining robot motor assistance with neural circuit-based VR (NeuCir-VR) rehabilitation programme involving procedural lower extremity rehabilitation with reward mechanisms, from muscle strength training, posture control and balance training to simple and complex ground walking training. The study aims to explore the effectiveness and neurological mechanisms of combining robot motor assistance and NeuCir-VR lower extremity rehabilitation training in patients after stroke.

Authors

  • Zhi-Qing Zhou
    Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
  • Xu-Yun Hua
    Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China.
  • Jia-Jia Wu
    Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China.
  • Jing-Jing Xu
    Guangzhou Xinhua College, Guangzhou, China.
  • Meng Ren
    Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
  • Chun-Lei Shan
    Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
  • Jian-Guang Xu
    Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China. xjg@shutcm.edu.cn.