The impact of the robotic rehabilitation system with biological feedback "Omego Plus" on the functioning of patients with arthrogenic contractures of the joints of the lower extremities

Abstract

Under the ongoing military actions in Ukraine, the number of patients with limb injuries has increased significantly. Over 60% of personnel losses are associated with complications from musculoskeletal injuries, specifically arthrogenic contractures. The resistance of such conditions to standard therapy necessitates the search for innovative technological solutions, particularly robotic systems with biofeedback, such as the "Omego Plus" system. Purpose. To enhance the effectiveness of rehabilitation for patients with arthrogenic contractures of the lower limb joints through clinical and functional justification and the integration of the "Omego Plus" robotic system into the rehabilitation process. This randomized controlled trial included 60 patients (aged 20-53 years). The main group (n=30) received standard physical therapy (NICE-2022 protocol) supplemented with sessions on the "Omego Plus" system (60 min, 5 times per week for 6 weeks). The control group (n=30) followed the standard protocol only. The assessment was carried out in stages (at the beginning of the study, after 6 weeks, and 3 months after discharge). Effectiveness was evaluated using goniometry, Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, and the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT). A statistically significant advantage was observed in the main group regarding the recovery of knee flexion to the functional norm (120 degree, p=0.0005) and a significant increase in the amplitude of ankle dorsiflexion (p=0.0008). Analysis of muscle strength revealed significantly higher absolute values in the main group at Visit 3 for the hip abductors (p=0.02) and internal rotators (p=0.04), indicating more effective motor unit recruitment by the "Omego Plus" robotic system with biofeedback. Gait speed dynamics according to the 10MWT confirmed a cumulative effect of the "Omego Plus" system: the intergroup advantage was established during the final assessment stage. The analgesic effect was most pronounced between the second and third visits (p<0.05), indicating the stability of the result and a reduction in central sensitization phenomena. The implementation of "Omego Plus" during the post-acute period ensures rapid recovery of mobility, a significant increase in muscle strength indicators, and sustained reduction of the pain syndrome. The results justify the integration of the "Omego Plus" robotic system to address existing "gaps" in the rehabilitation of patients with arthrogenic contractures.