Our research objective is to develop procedures to rehabilitate those stroke patients who, through conventional therapies, are not brought to a level of maximal recovery. The aims of the proposed project are to obtain a set of data from a total of 20 chronic stroke subjects, all with severe lower extremity disability, between the ages of 18-85, using a robotic therapeutic device placed in a rehabilitation clinic. This data will allow us to quantify the extent to which a combination of robotic-assisted exercise and tendon vibration from the AMES beta device induces secondary recovery from the effects of stroke on the lower extremity.
Inclusion Criteria: - Spastic hemiparesis - At least 12 months post-stroke - Can comfortably fit foot in treatment device - Functioning proprioception - Fugl-Meyer LE score >6 and <23 - Minimal hemi-neglect - Observable volitional movement of the ankle in either plantar- or dorsi-flexion - Cognitively and behaviorally capable of complying with the regimen Exclusion Criteria: - Fractures of treated limb resulting in loss of range of motion - Spinal cord injury - Deep venous thrombosis - Peripheral nerve injury or neuropathy in the affected limb with motor disability - Osteoarthritis limiting range of motion - Uncontrolled high blood pressure/angina - Exercise intolerant - Skin condition not tolerant of device - Progressive neurodegenerative disorder - Uncontrolled seizure disorder - Botox treatment within last 5 months - Baclofen pump