Armeo® Arm Therapy for Stroke Rehabilitation
Cutting-edge technology to help you regain arm strength and function after stroke
Have your physician write a referral for an RIC physician consultation. Then, contact the RIC Outpatient Services Center at 800-883-3931 to schedule an initial evaluation.
Writing, eating, shaking hands, even changing TV channels… unless you have lost upper-extremity function, you probably take for granted all of the everyday tasks that require the use of your arms. The fact is, almost every type of independent work and leisure activity involves the use of your arms. If you have weakness in one or both arms due to stroke, you are no doubt aware of this.
87% of participants who received Armeo® training demonstrated motor improvements in their arm compared to 69% of subjects who completed conventional arm exercise.*
More than 80% of all participants in the research study preferred Armeo® to conventional exercises and would recommend the Armeo® exercises over conventional exercises.
* On the Fugl-Meyer clinical test; both research groups had the same training time and therapist supervision
A powerful new approach to arm therapy
RIC’s Stroke Neurorehabilitation Program offers a powerful new approach to arm therapy, based on technology tested right here at RIC, to strengthen arm movement and grip strength. This state-of-the-art rehabilitation tool, the Armeo®, manufactured by Hocoma, uses gaming technology to improve function even in severely weakened arms. Armeo® therapy is an easy and effective complement to physical or occupational therapy and other rehabilitation methods your physician may have suggested. And RIC is the only hospital in the Midwest that has an Armeo®.
Features of the Armeo® arm therapy tool
- Adjustable arm support
- A highly sensitive hand grip and videogame-like exercises to simulate arm movements used in specific real-life tasks.
- Exercises are carried out in the virtual environment on a computer screen, providing you with goal-oriented tasks and giving you immediate visual feedback.
- Because the weight of the arm is counterbalanced in the arm support, you can use residual neuromuscular control to perform the exercises and gradually build strength in your arm.
- Built-in sensors and software record arm movements at each joint, so you and your therapist can track your improvement, determine the appropriate difficulty level for you and customize your training program as you progress.
The user-friendly technology makes it easy for you to work on your own, or with a physical or occupational therapist. Patients who have used the Armeo® report that it’s not only effective, but it’s also more fun than traditional exercises, making it easier to stay motivated and progress more quickly.
Will you benefit from Armeo® therapy?
The Armeo® is suitable for neurological patients whose primary aim is to improve the function of an affected arm after stroke. Your doctor will decide whether Armeo® training could be appropriate for you, and a thorough examination by an RIC physician will be the determining factor. Certain criteria, however, make use of the Armeo® inadvisable.
Make an appointment with the RIC Stroke Neurorehabilitation Program
We work with patients and their physicians to quickly and easily take referrals and schedule patients for treatment.
Have your physician write a referral for an RIC physician consultation. Then, contact the RIC Outpatient Services Center at 800-883-3931 to schedule an initial evaluation at the 345 E. Superior St. location.