Combined Effects of Soft Robotic Hand and Electrical Stimulation on Hand Function in Stroke Survivors

Stroke is a clinically delineated syndrome, which is characterised by an acute, focal neurological deficit resulting from vascular injury (infarction or haemorrhage) within the central nervous system. Notably, around 80 percent of stroke survivors experience post-stroke deficits in upper extremity (UE) motor performance, impacting grip strength, dexterity, and functional independence, which greatly hinder the ability of stroke patients to carry out activities of daily living (ADL), and in turn affects their overall quality of life (QOL).One potential solution to these difficulties is the creation of rehabilitation robotic devices that incorporate hand technology and electrical stimulation. Although soft robotic assistive devices and electrical stimulation have each shown positive effects on motor recovery, their combined use has yet to be thoroughly investigated. This study intends to determine if the simultaneous application of these therapies can speed up rehabilitation results in comparison to independent therapies. Stroke Participants will be divided into two groups, Experimental group and Control group. Both the groups will receive intervention for 40 min/day, 03 days/week, for 08 week and measurements will be taken prior to the treatment, after 4 weeks of treatment and 8 weeks post-treatment.

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with their first episode of stroke. * Participants with 3-6 months post stroke. * Participants with normal cognition on Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) ≥24. * Participants with the ability to extend Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and Proximal Interphalangeal (PIP) joint to 180 degree passively * Modified Ashworth Scale \< 2. * Participants with the score of 10 to 16 on National Institute of Health Stroke Scale Score (NIHSS Score). Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of other neurological, neuromuscular, orthopedic diseases, or * conditions that may interfere with task performance. * Participants with sensory disturbances in the fingers