Yoo HJ, Bae CR, Jeong H, Ko MH, Kang YK, Pyun SB. Clinical efficacy of overground powered exoskeleton for gait training in patients with subacute stroke: A randomized controlled pilot trial.
Medicine (Baltimore) 2023;
102:e32761. [PMID:
36705351 PMCID:
PMC9875981 DOI:
10.1097/md.0000000000032761]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
To investigate the efficacy and usefulness of 12 sessions of overground robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) in subacute stroke patients.
METHODS
In this pilot study, 17 subacute stroke survivors were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 9) and control (n = 8) groups. In addition to the conventional stroke neurorehabilitation program, the intervention group received 30 minutes of overground exoskeletal RAGT, while the control group received 30 minutes of conventional gait training by a physiotherapist. All interventions were performed in 12 sessions (3 times/week for 4 weeks). The primary aim was to assess ambulation ability using the functional ambulation category (FAC). The 10-m walk test, Berg Balance Scale, timed-up-and-go Timed-up-and-go, Fugl-Meyer assessment of lower extremity, pulmonary function test, the Korean version of the modified Barthel index, and Euro quality of life-5 dimensions (EQ-5D) were assessed. All outcomes were evaluated both before and after the intervention.
RESULTS
The Berg Balance Scale, Korean version of the modified Barthel index, and EQ-5D scores (P < .05) improved significantly in both groups. Only those in the RAGT group improved significantly in the FAC, timed-up-and-go, and 10-m walk test (P < .05). In the FAC and EQ-5D, the intervention group showed greater improvement than the control group (P < .05).
CONCLUSION
We found that 4 weeks of overground RAGT combined with conventional training may improve walking independence and quality of life in patients with subacute stroke.
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