An explorative study into changes in reach performance after gravity compensation training in chronic stroke patients

After stroke, arm function can be limited by a reduction in the selectivity of movements, due to involuntary coupling of shoulder abduction and elbow flexion, limiting the ability to reach. Gravity compensation reduces the required active shoulder abduction torques, which results in a larger range of motion instantaneously. However, the effect of a longer-term application of gravity compensation on functional reach is largely unknown. Integration of a motivating rehabilitation game in the training program stimulates motor relearning processes during training. During 6 weeks, 8 chronic stroke patients received 3 sessions of 30 minutes gravity compensated reach training per week using a rehabilitation game, which was evaluated by assessing motor status and reach performance before and after training. After gravity compensation training, reach distance and direction had improved in a majority of chronic stroke patients. The present findings indicate that gravity compensation in combination with rehab games can be a valuable training modality for stroke rehabilitation.