Effects of Upper Limb Robot Therapy with Action Observation Training on Subacute Stroke Patients: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Action observation training (AOT) is recognised as an effective method for enhancing motor function by engaging mirror neurons. This study investigated the combined effects of AOT and upper limb robot therapy on upper extremity function, movement quality, activities of daily living (ADL), muscle activity, and coordination in stroke patients. Twenty-four subacute stroke patients were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (AOT + robot therapy, n = 12) or a control group (robot therapy only, n = 12). Primary outcomes were assessed using FMA-UE and ARAT, while secondary outcomes included the Point-to-Point test, K-MBI, %RVC, and CCR. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in upper extremity function, movement quality, ADL, and muscle activity. However, the intervention group showed significantly greater enhancements in upper extremity function, ADL, and muscle activity than the control group. Additionally, CCR values were negative for all movements in the intervention group, whereas in the control group, only shoulder flexion exhibited a negative value. These findings suggest that integrating AOT with upper limb robot therapy enhances muscle activity, coordination, and functional recovery in subacute stroke patients, highlighting its potential as a valuable rehabilitation approach.