Neuroprosthesis for retraining reaching and grasping functions in severe hemiplegic patients.

During the course of rehabilitation hemiplegic patients who have Chedoke McMaster Stages of Motor Recovery scores 4 and 5 measured three weeks after onset of stroke often improve their arm and hand function to the point that they can later use it in the activities of daily living (ADL) (1). These patients can be considered to have mild arm and hand paralysis since they can grasp objects and manipulate them with minor restrictions in the range of movement and force. On the other hand, hemiplegic patients who have Chedoke McMaster Stages of Motor Recovery scores 1 and 2 measured three weeks after onset of stroke, during the course of rehabilitation seldom improve their arm and hand function, and when they do, the improvements are not sufficient to allow these patients to use the arm and hand in ADL (1).