Robot-assisted gait training can improve lower limb function in cases of acute flaccid paralysis resulting from hand-foot-and-mouth disease / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the effect of robot-assisted gait training on the standing and walking balance of persons with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) resulting from hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD).Methods Thirty-six persons with AFP resulting from HFMD were randomly divided into a control group and a training group,each of 18.Both groups were given conventional rehabilitation training,while the training group was additionally provided with robot-aided gait training.The control group received additional massage of their affected limbs.Before and after 15 days of treatment the subjects' standing and walking ability were evaluated using parts D and E of the gross motor function (GMFM) scale.Their balance was quantified using the Berg balance scale (BBS) and integrated surface electromyograms were recorded.Results There were no significant differences between the two groups before the treatment.After 6 weeks of treatment the average scores of both groups had improved significantly,with a significantly bigger increase observed in the training group.After the treatment,the average GMFM and BBS scores of the training group were significantly higher than those of the control group.Conclusion Gait training in addition to conventional rehabilitation training can significantly improve the standing,walking and balance of patients with HFMD resulting from AFP and promote their recovery.