Robotic-Aided Training and Assessment of Upper Limb Muscle Coordination Following Stroke

Technology-aided interventions and assessments are at the base of personalized motor rehabilitation after stroke. In the AVANCER trial, the effects of a novel personalized neurotech intervention were assessed by using an instrumented Fugl-Meyer (FM) evaluation pre and post interventions. The activity of 9 muscles in the affected and unaffected side of 12 severe chronic stroke patients was acquired during the FM test. Spinal maps showed specific topographical organization for different movements, and a sensitivity to upper limb impairments and recovery after stroke. The number of muscle synergies did not reflect the level of impairment or recovery in severe chronic stroke patients. These tools measure motor performance and nervous system status, enhancing understanding of stroke recovery.