Use of a rehabilitation glove in the acute phase of ischemic stroke in patients with moderate arm paresis

Objective. To evaluate the multifaceted effect of a soft glove rehabilitation device in patients with motor and cognitive impairments during the acute phase of ischemic stroke (IS) in the left internal carotid artery (ICA) system. Material and methods. A total of 40 patients with moderate paresis of the right arm in the acute phase of IS in the left ICA system were included in the study. Participants, matched by age and severity of motor and speech disorders, were randomly assigned to either the test group (n=20) or the control group (n=20). The median age was 60 years [range: 52 to 68] for the test group and 62 years [range: 51 to 69] for the control group. The test group participated in a 15-day standard medical rehabilitation program supplemented with a rehabilitation glove device featuring a visual biofeedback program. The control group received standard medical rehabilitation without the additional device. Assessment of motor impairment was conducted utilizing the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), while cognitive impairment was measured using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Speech impairment was evaluated through the L.I. Wasserman Speech Impairment Assessment Test. Results. The test group showed statistically significant improvements in arm function, reduced cognitive deficits, and decreased speech impairments. Conversely, the changes observed in the control group were not statistically significant. Conclusions. The findings of this study suggest the potential efficacy of employing a soft rehabilitation glove integrated with a visual biofeedback program during the initial stage of medical rehabilitation in the acute phase of ischemic stroke.