The MIME robotic system for upper-limb neuro-rehabilitation: results from a clinical trial in subacute stroke

Results from a randomized, controlled clinical trial of the MIME robotic device for shoulder and elbow neuro-rehabilitation in subacute stroke patients are presented. MIME incorporates a PUMA 560 robot that applies forces to the paretic limb during unilateral and bilateral 3-dimensional movements. The training dose was 15 1-hour sessions within a 4-week period. Analysis of clinical data found the MIME training at least as effective as an equivalent dose of hands-on therapy by a therapist. The MIME training provided added-value by increasing the rate of recovery on some motor impairment scales. Combined unilateral and bilateral training yielded similar functional outcomes compared to equivalent doses of unilateral-only robot training, but with reduced hypertonia and abnormal synergies. Robot group gains exceeded that expected from spontaneous recovery.