Quantitative Evaluation of Motor Progress in Upper Limb Therapy Using the PABLO System: A Case Study Following Stroke

Abstract

Starting point: Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, often resulting in severe upper limb impairment. Robotic-assisted rehabilitation, such as the PABLO device, offers multimodal therapy by integrating biomechanical support, biofeedback, and interactive gaming.

Group: This case study examined two patients: a 72-year-old male with ischemic stroke and right-sided impairment and a 5-year-old boy with hemorrhagic stroke and left-sided impairment. The selection allowed assessment under different developmental and clinical conditions.

Methods: Patients underwent rehabilitation at the Specialized Treatment Institute Marína, Kováčová, including occupational therapy with PABLO. The assessment focused on upper limb range of motion (ROM), fine motor skills. Motor function was compared with the unaffected limb. Based on recorded measurements, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for the Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) was used as a reference framework for functional interpretation.

Results: The pediatric patient demonstrated a 10° improvement in shoulder abduction, a 12° increase in wrist extension. The FMA-UE score was approximately 42 out of 66. The adult patient showed a 15° increase in shoulder flexion, 10° in wrist extension. The FMA-UE score was approximately 39 out of 66.

Conclusions: Based on the results of our case studies, we can conclude that the PABLO device is an objective evaluation and therapeutic tool. It enables the training of both motor and cognitive components. The restoration of upper limb function is crucial for improving patients’ quality of life and their independence in daily activities. Patients perceive the integration of the device into therapy positively.

Conflict of Interest and Funding: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. The study was not funded by any external sources.