The results of present study suggest that upper extremities functionality of neurological patients can be positively influenced by the high technology-enhanced physical rehabilitation program. As a conclusion, Conventional therapy together with Hi-Tech contribute to the better outcomes.

1. The Effectiveness of Armeo Spring on Upper Extremity Functions among Neurological
Patient in Occupational Therapy Unit.
NMRR-16-878-30974
Noor Fathimah Mazani, Nor Nadira Ideris Shah
Background: The latest, High Technology system such as robotic systems or exoskeletons
are used to facilitate functional task-oriented. This type of therapy is more efficient for the
reduction of the effects of altered motor control. In addition to assisting the patient to move
the arm with precision, it also helps reduce the fatigue of the therapist during the
rehabilitation process. Armeo Spring is a high technology system (gravity-supporting)
employed as a training tool assisting participants to additionally and independently practice
task-oriented movements in a virtual real life-like learning environment. The Armeo Spring is
available in HRC, Occupational Therapist aware about the effectiveness and hope the
information will provide evidence based practice (EBP) in further knowledge.
Study design: Retrospective study
Objective: To determine the effectiveness of combination of Armeo Spring and
Conventional Therapy on upper extremity functions among neurological patient in
Occupational Therapy Unit, Hospital Rehabilitasi Cheras, Malaysia
Methods: This retrospective study involves 60 samples in neurological cases who underwent
Armeo Spring therapy and conventional therapy. The data was collected from January 2014
till December 2016. Comparison between groups was performed to identify the significance
between pre and post score from the outcomes measure result.
Main outcomes measure: Manual Muscle Testing and Jebson Taylor Hand Function Test
Results: Results of between-group comparisons found that there were significant differences
in muscle strength at upper extremity in the Armeo spring and conventional therapy group
compared to conventional therapy only group. Armeo Spring training yielded significant
alteration in speed of upper extremities movements. According to the Jebson Taylor Hand
Functions’ result, there are significant change in five subtests which is the p-value is below
than 0.005. There are improvement in simulated page turning, lifting small object, simulated
feeding, lifting large light object and lifting large heavy object. Only two subtests shows no
significant in result which is writing and stacking checkers.
Conclusion: The results of present study suggest that upper extremities functionality of
neurological patients can be positively influenced by the high technology-enhanced physical
rehabilitation program. As a conclusion, Conventional therapy together with Hi-Tech
contribute to the better outcomes.
© 2017, Occupational Therapy Unit, Hospital Rehabilitasi Cheras. All rights reserved
Keyword: Armeo Spring Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Upper Extremity