The Evaluation of Range of motion and Muscle strength in stroke patients using a rho GP

Abstract

Stroke-induced impairments in hand function significantly affect patients’ ability to perform activities of daily living. Rehabilitation involving repetitive and task-specific exercises is essential for motor recovery. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a soft robotic hand orthosis in assessing and enhancing range of motion (ROM) and muscle strength in stroke patients. The orthosis integrates flex sensors and force-sensitive resistors to collect real-time data during flexion-extension exercises. Ten stroke patients aged 39 to 72 years participated, with stroke durations ranging from 8 to 36 months. Exercises were conducted at two speed levels, and sensor data were analyzed using regression techniques to explore associations with age and stroke chronicity. The results indicate that patients with longer post-stroke durations and older age exhibited reduced ROM and muscle strength. Performance also declined with faster movement speeds. These findings suggest that the robotic orthosis is a valuable tool for both assessment and rehabilitation, enabling objective measurement and tailored therapy based on patient-specific progress