A STUDY TO FIND OUT THE EFFICACY OF REHABRELIVE ACTIVE GLOVE TO IMPROVE HAND FUNCTION IN STROKE PATIENTS

Reducing upper-extremity impairment in stroke survivors is still challenging despite many conventional approaches. Therefore, innovative rehabilitation programs are preferred. This study aims to check the effect of RehabRelive Active glove therapy in improving hand function in stroke survivors. A prospective, interventional study was conducted in patients with subacute and chronic stroke patients. 24 participants were allocated to the experimental group or the control group. The experiment group underwent 45 minutes of conventional physical therapy plus 15 minutes of glove therapy, and 5 minutes of conventional hand treatment. The control group underwent 45 minutes of conventional physical therapy plus 20 minutes of conventional hand therapy. All participants underwent each intervention 4 days/week for four weeks. They were evaluated before and 4 weeks after the intervention. The primary outcome measure was the change in the score of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Upper Extremity (wrist and hand component) and the secondary outcome measures were the box and block test, and Chedoke arm and hand activity inventory. Independent t-test or Mann-Whitney U test was applied to compare the outcome measures of both groups. Results of this study showed that RehabRelive glove therapy showed improvement in all outcome measures, which confirms the efficacy of glove therapy. However, there is no statistically significant difference found in comparison of the intervention group with the control group. RehabRelive active glove therapy is feasible, safe, and without adverse effects, providing an entertaining approach to rehabilitation.