Robot-assisted gait training improves the walking ability of stroke survivors / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To explore the effectiveness of the Exowalk gait training robot in improving the walking ability of stroke survivors.Methods:Forty stroke survivors were randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group, each of 20. In their rehabilitation, the control group was given routine walking training, while the experimental group′s training was assisted with the Exowalk robot. Both groups trained for 60 minutes a day, five days a week for four weeks. Before as well as after 2 and 4 weeks of training functional ambulatory categories (FACs), the Berg balance scale (BBS), the 6-minute walking test (6MWT), the 10-minute walking test (10MWT), the Rivermead mobility index and an exercise index were used to evaluate those in both groups.Results:After 2 weeks significant improvement was observed in the average FAC, BBS, 6MWT and 10MWT results of both groups, without significant differences between them. After 4 weeks there was still no significant difference in the groups′ average BBS scores. However, the average FAC rating in the experimental group had improved significantly while there was no significant increase in the control group′s average score.Conclusions:The Exowalk robot can help to improve the balance and walking ability of hemiplegic stroke survivors.