Effectiveness of soft robotic gloves versus electrical muscle stimulation on hand function and quality of life in stroke survivors

Abstract

Background and Objective: Stroke is a cerebrovascular illness characterized by loss of brain blood flow that results in neurological dysfunction. Stroke ranks second globally in terms of cause of mortality. Study objective was to find effectiveness of soft robotic gloves versus electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) on hand function and quality of life in stroke survivors.
Methodology: This randomized control trial was conducted on 36 stroke survivors from May 2024 – Oct 2024. The study was conducted in Naseer Hospital Lahore. The data was collected through FMA-UE and Quick Dash scale. SPSS version 25 was used for statistical analysis.
Results: Group A (robotic gloves) had an FMA-UA score of 38.61 ± 9.79 (mean rank 20.39) versus Group B (EMS) had a score of 35.50 ± 6.85 (mean rank 16.61; P =.280); prior to intervention. Group A showed a substantial improvement 54.28 ± 8.67 (P =.002) after the intervention. Statistically the Quick-DASH scores were p=.738 among Group A participants, showing greater improvement post therapy (28.78 ± 5.90 vs. 37.00 ± 7.23; P =.001).
Conclusion: Results highlights the effectiveness of both interventions but robotic gloves was found to be more
effective as compared to EMS.
Abbreviation: FMA-UE: Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Upper Extremity, Quick-DASH: Quick Disabilities of the Arm,
Shoulder and Hand, EMS: Electrical muscle stimulation
Keywords: Cerebrovascular Accident; Stroke; Electrical Stimulation; Rehabilitation
Citation: Yahya M, Kiran Q, Hanif A, Saleem J, Majeed T, Ashraf S. Effectiveness of soft robotic gloves versus
electrical muscle stimulation on hand function and quality of life in stroke survivors. Anaesth. pain intensive care
2025;30(1):62-67. DOI: 10.35975/apic.v30i1.3103
Received: May 09, 2025; Revised: October 26, 2024; Accepted: January 01, 2025