International Journal of Advanced Engineering Research and Science (IJAERS) [Vol-7, Issue-5, May- 2020] https://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijaers.75.31 ISSN: 2349-6495(P) | 2456-1908(O) www.ijaers.com Page | 256 Medical devices for self-help management: the case of stroke rehabilitation José Carlos Tatmatsu-Rocha 1,2* , Pedro Almir Feitosa Morais 1 , Natália Aguiar Moraes Vitoriano 3 , Luiz Rodrigo Silva Rodrigues 1 , Emanuel Davi Simões dos Santos 1 , Carla Roberta Tim 4 ,Sandra Bastos Oliveira 1 ,Vilena Barros de Figueiredo 1 1 Medicine School, Physical Therapy Department, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil. 2 Electrical Engineering Department, Universidade de Brasilia, Brasilia, Distrito Federal, Brazil 3 University Hospital Walter Cantidio, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil. 4 Brazil University, Postgraduate Program in Biomedical Engineering, Brazil. *Corresponding Author Abstract— Introduction: Self-help devices (SHD) have been used as an alternative to conventional treatment for post stroke rehabilitation. This review aims to look for evidence that a stroke survivor may have increased muscle strength with the use of SHD. Methods: This article was conducted according to PRISMA, a statistical tool (state of the art by systematic review) and previously registered in PROSPERO (international prospective registry of systematic reviews) under number CRD42018091424. Studies addressing the use of SHD and its effect on muscle strength in stroke patients were included. The studies were read, selected and their metadata extracted. A Downs & Black scale was used to assess methodological quality. Results: 41 publications were analyzed, of which only three met the proposed inclusion criteria. Two articles showed positive results in strength gain using SHD. One study presented a decrease in the mean reaching forces when compared to the intervention groups (subacute and chronic with assistance to grip) and controls but SHD assisted in performing the activity. Conclusion: Studies using SHD suggest muscle strength improvement in stroke patients . Keywords— Stroke, self-help devices, strength, systematic review, assistive technology, assistive devices. I. INTRODUCTION Stroke is the second main death cause, leading to 11.8% death causes on the planet, and the third leading disability sake in the world[1]. In addition, it generates a high social burden and generates high costs for health systems[2]. This disease is characterized by a cerebrovascular malfunction, ischemic or hemorrhagic, that can result in deficiency of balance and gait, aphasia, dysphagia, intestinal and voiding dysfunction, depression, altered cognition and generalized muscular weakness[3]. The muscle weakness after stroke is a result of affected area neural hypofunction, followed by reducing muscle activity, tissue histochemical changes, and spasticity[4,5]. If it persists, it may progress to function loss and immobility[6]. Recent studies have highlighted the rehabilitation role in improving strength and complications after stroke [7–9]. During rehabilitation some tools can be used to increase treatment such as self-help devices (SHD). SHD can be defined as any item, piece of equipment, software program or system that is used to increase, maintain or improve the functionality of people with any type of disability[10]. They are part of a growing area of study with multiple applications that promotes greater acceptance by the patient and transforms current health care delivery models [11,12]. Studies suggest the efficacy of SHD in improving upper limb motor function, gait and aphasia, after stroke episode[8,13,14]. Their association with conventional therapy has been the object of study by researchers[15]. However, the effect of SHD on strength in patients with stroke was not elucidated. Provision of home-care, instant feedback and patient entertainment are SHD characteristics that give greater incentive and decrease patient frustration[11,16]. In addition, Bendixen et al (2009) demonstrated that the use of SHD can reduce treatment costs by up to 46% when compared to conventional treatment[17].The objective is to review studies that