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SaeboFlex®
Research Overview
ARBI Study
The use of SaeboFlex® Orthosis as a tool to improve arm/hand function in individuals after stroke
One of the most complicated consequences following stroke is the loss of motor function in the upper extremities. The lack of active movement and strength interferes with the person’s independence and affects their performance in simple daily tasks, such as, holding a cup, a brush or other objects. Consequently, it impacts satisfaction with their quality of life.
In stroke rehabilitation, many studies and different techniques have been developed to improve the arm and hand function for individuals following stroke.
The SaeboFlex® provides the opportunity for individuals to practice tasks involving grasp and release and therefore improving the active use of their limbs.
In 2010, ARBI undertook a research study to explore the use of SaeboFlex® as an innovative tool in neuro rehabilitation to improve upper limb function in stroke clients.
Saeboflex® Study
One of the most complicated consequences following stroke is the loss of motor function in the upper extremity. (1) The lack of functional movement and strength interferes with the client’s independence and affects their performance in simple tasks, such as, holding a cup, a brush or other objects related to basic activities in our daily life (2). Consequently, it impacts their satisfaction with their quality of life.
In stroke rehabilitation, many studies and different techniques have been developed to improve arm and hand function for individuals following stroke.
One innovative technique uses an orthosis device called SaeboFlex® in conjunction with an upper extremity training program. The SaeboFlex® is a dynamic orthosis that positions the hand at a biomechanical advantage to allow subjects to work actively into flexion and then, use the springs to return the hand towards a position of extension (3). The springs have different strengths allowing the client to use his active strength more or less depending of his level of recovery.
The SaeboFlex® provides the opportunity for the client to practice grasp and release oriented tasks and therefore improve the active use of their limb.
Objective
The objective of this study is to explore the use of SaeboFlex® as an innovative tool in neuro rehabilitation to improve upper limb function in stroke clients.
Method
Subjects: 6-10 clients
Criteria:
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Unilateral stroke with moderate to severe paresis
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> or = 15˚ passive wrist extension with fingers in extension
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15˚ of active shoulder and elbow movement
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¼ of the range active finger flexion
Exclusion criteria:
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Severe apraxia
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Participating in other rehab study (Botox, mirror box)
Design: 12 week exercise program with SaeboFlex®
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Prior to week one:
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Participant screening
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Consent and baseline measures
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1 week – fitting
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Week one: Fitting, initial exercises and HP orientation
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Week two through six:
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3 X 45 minute sessions at ARBI for program monitoring and modification
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Week seven: re-testing
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Week eight- eleven:
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3 X 45 minute sessions at ARBI for program monitoring and modification
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Possible introduction of functional tasks related to clients goals
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Week twelve: re-assessment
Measures
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Range of Motion (ROM): Measures the degree of joint movement that an individual has the ability to attain actively
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Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS): Measures the degree of muscle tone in an individual’s affected UE on an ordinal scale of 0-4
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Grip Strength: dynamometer
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Action Research Arm Test (ARAT)
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Chedoke McMaster Stroke Assessment (Arm/hand portion)
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Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM): Unstructured interview where participants provide therapists with information regarding performance of and satisfaction with meaningful and valued occupations/interests
Bibliography
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H. Nakayama, H.S. Jorgensen, H.O. Raaschou and T.S. Olsen, Compensation in recovery of upper extremity function after stroke: The Copenhagen Stroke Study, Arch Phys Med Rehabil 75 (1994), 852-857
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A. Sunderland, D. Tinson, L. Bradley and R. Langton Hewer, Arm function after stroke. An evaluation of grip strength as measure of recovery and prognostic indicator, J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatric 52 (1989), 1267-1272
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Farrell J, Hoffmann H, Snyder J, Giulain C. (2003). The effects of the functional tone management system (FTM) arm training program on upper extremity motor control on chronic stroke individuals. The Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, 12, 247
SaeboFlex® Funding Needs
ARBI requires on-going community partners to help maintain this ground-breaking rehabilitation program. For more information on our funding needs please contact Jane Dafoe at (403) 242-7116 or jane@arbi.ca.
