Robotic Rehabilitation of the Upper Limb in Subacute Stroke

"The EG will follow a mixed rehabilitation approach for the upper limb, combining Robotic Assisted Upper Limb Rehabilitation and conventional physical therapy (PT) and/or occupational therapy (OT) with a total daily duration of 90 minutes. The Robotic Assisted UL Rehabilitation's session will last 30 minutes, with the following procedure provided:~* First week: alternate between passive mobilization exercises, bilateral mode, and therapist-driven mode.~* Second week: alternate between therapist-driven mode and active-assisted mobilization.~* Third week: alternate between active-assisted mobilization and active mobilization.~* Fourth week: alternate between active-assisted mobilization and active mobilization.~* Fifth week: exclusively perform active mobilization. However, if this proposed progression does not match the patient's motor capabilities, the therapist will optimize the therapeutic program by selecting personalized exercises, following a progressive difficulty approach."

The CG will follow a conventional occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) program for upper limb rehabilitation, with a total daily duration of 90 minutes. Upper limb rehabilitation exercises will be performed with a therapist who will tailor the treatment according to the patient's clinical characteristics and needs. Specifically, upper limb treatment will consist of motor exercises (shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand) through a mix of individual sessions with both passive and active interventions where possible.