ABSTRACT
Objective:To observe the effect of gait training assisted by an end-effector-based robot on the gait, balance, walking and general lower limb motor functioning of stroke survivors.Methods:Thirty-nine stroke survivors were randomized into a training group ( n=21) and a control group ( n=18). In addition to routine hemiplegia rehabilitation, the control group was given medium frequency electrical stimulation while the training group underwent 20 minutes of gait training assisted by an end-effector-based robot six days a week for 4 weeks. Before and after the intervention, both groups were evaluated using the functional ambulatory categories (FAC), the Fugl-Meyer lower extremity assessment, the Wisconsin Gait Scale and the Berg balance scale (BBS). Results:There were no significant differences between the groups before the intervention. Afterward significant improvement was observed in both groups in all measurements, with the training group scored better in terms of FAC and BBS.Conclusion:Using an end-effector-based robot in gait training might be more advantageous for improving the gait, balance, walking and general lower limb functioning of stroke survivors.