Effectiveness of Armeo®Spring Pediatric in children with obstetric brachial palsy Narakas I. Clinical, controlled, randomized parallel group trial

Abstract

Introduction: Obstetric brachial palsy (OBP) is a flaccid paralysis of the arm associated with adverse events during childbirth and that damages the nerves of the C5 to T1 cervical roots. Conventionally, their rehabilitation is through kinesic and occupational therapy (TC) interventions, or with an innovative tool: robotic assistance and virtual reality called Armeo®Spring Pediatric (Armeo). Thus, the research objective was to compare the effec­tiveness of the Armeo with CT on upper extremity function. Materials (or patients) and Methods: Controlled, parallel, randomized, single-blind clinical trial. 10 active users between 5 and 8 years of age participated with PBO, Narakas I, from the Teletón Concepción Institute. Fifteen training sessions of 45 minutes each were carried out, 3 times a week, evaluating according to the Mallet scale and joint ranges of passive movement (ROM) after the intervention, at 3 and 6 months. Results: There were significant statistical differences in the Mallet scale: External rotation at 3 and 6 months, Hand- head post intervention and in the Total score post intervention, at 3 and 6 months. According to the ROM evaluation, these differences were registered in Abduction at 3 and 6 months. In all these indicators, CT had better and more lasting effects. Conclusions: The results obtained with the Armeo require a specialized environment to last over time, while those obtained with CT last longer given the greater variety of sensorimotor experiences that it offers and the possibility of daily practicing what has been learned in training.