Abstract: Objective To explore the effects of upper limb robot-assisted therapy on motor recovery in acute stroke patients. Methods From August, 2013 to September, 2014, 46 acute stroke patients at their first-ever stroke were enrolled and randomized into experimental group and control group with 23 cases in each group. Both groups received routine therapy. Additional robot-assisted therapy was provided to the experimental group, and additional repetitive movement training was provided to the control group, 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 12 weeks. Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Limb (FM-UL), modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and modified Barthel index (MBI) were used to assess the motor function of the upper limbs and hands, the muscular tension of elbow, and activities of daily living (ADL) before and after treatment. Results After treatment, the scores of FM-UA, MAS and MBI improved in both groups (t>3.856, Z>1.889, P<0.05), and the scores of FM-UA and MAS were better in the experiment group than in the control group (t=-2.386, Z=-2.625, P<0.05), however, there was no significant difference in the score of MBI between two groups (t=-1.326, P=0.098). Conclusion Upper limb robot-assisted therapy can facilitate the recovery of the motor function of upper limbs in acute stroke patient.

Key words: stroke, robot, rehabilitation, motor function, upper limb