Feasibility of SaeboFlex Upper-limb Training in Acute Stroke Rehabilitation: A Clinical Case Series
- 24 April 2014
- journal article
- Published by Wiley in Occupational Therapy International
- Vol. 21 (3), 108-114
- https://doi.org/10.1002/oti.1369
Abstract
Upper-limb (UL) recovery following stroke is often poor. UL rehabilitation therefore continues to be a major focus for occupational therapy. Published evidence for the effectiveness of SaeboFlex training in acute stroke rehabilitation is scarce. The purpose of this study is to explore the feasibility and patient experience of SaeboFlex training in acute stroke. This feasibility study recruited stroke patients (< 84 days post-stroke) with moderate/severe UL weakness. They participated in SaeboFlex sessions for 12 weeks in addition to conventional rehabilitation. A battery of measures was taken at baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Eight participants were recruited. For the action research arm test score and UL Motricity Index, clinically significant improvements were noted in five out of seven (71%) and six out of seven participants (86%) respectively. Clinically significant improvements were also noted in secondary outcomes. Shoulder complications occurred in one participant. SaeboFlex training facilitated clinically significant improvements in UL function. It has the potential to improve participation and independence in ADLs, reduce carer burden and associated costs. Being a feasibility study with no control arm, we urge caution in interpreting these results. Future research is needed to evaluate the efficacy, optimum dosage and impact on dependency levels of SaeboFlex training as part of a randomized controlled trial.Keywords
Funding Information
- post- graduate medical centre - Colchester Hospital
This publication has 16 references indexed in Scilit:
- Effects of a dynamic hand orthosis for functional use of the impaired upper limb in sub-acute stroke patients: A multiple single case experimental design studyTechnology and Disability, 2013
- Very Early Constraint-Induced Movement during Stroke Rehabilitation (VECTORS)Neurology, 2009
- The VECTORS studyNeurology, 2009
- How much change is true change? The minimum detectable change of the Berg Balance Scale in elderly peopleJournal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2009
- Establishing the Minimal Clinically Important Difference of the Barthel Index in Stroke PatientsNeurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, 2007
- Efficacy of Rehabilitative Experience Declines with Time after Focal Ischemic Brain InjuryJournal of Neuroscience, 2004
- Probability of Regaining Dexterity in the Flaccid Upper LimbStroke, 2003
- Functional Neuroimaging Studies of Motor Recovery After Stroke in AdultsStroke, 2003
- Responsiveness of general health status in chronic low back pain: a comparison of the COOP Charts and the SF-36Pain, 1999
- Rapid Plasticity of Human Cortical Movement Representation Induced by PracticeJournal of Neurophysiology, 1998