Effect of a Soft Robotic Sock Device on Lower Extremity Rehabilitation Following Stroke: A Preliminary Clinical Study With Focus on Deep Vein Thrombosis Prevention.

Background And Objective: Immobility of the lower extremity due to medical conditions such as stroke can lead to medical complications such as deep vein thrombosis or ankle contracture, and thereafter prolonged recovery process of the patients. In this preliminary clinical study, we aimed to examine the effect of a novel soft robotic sock device, capable of providing assisted ankle exercise, in improving blood flow in the lower limb to prevent the complication of strokes such as deep vein thrombosis and joint contracture.

Methods: Stroke patients were recruited ( = 17) to compare patients using the conventional pneumatic compression device with our robotic sock device on separate days.