Abstract
Background: Overground Robot-Assisted Gait Training (o-RAGT) provides intensive gait rehabilitation. This study investigated the efficacy of o-RAGT in subacute stroke subjects, compared to conventional gait training. Methods: A multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted on 75 subacute stroke subjects (38 in the Experimental Group (EG) and 37 in the Control Group (CG)). Both groups received 15 sessions of gait training (5 sessions/week for 60 min) and daily conventional rehabilitation. The subjects were assessed at the beginning (T1) and end (T2) of the training period with the primary outcome of a 6 Minutes Walking Test (6MWT), the Modified Ashworth Scale of the Affected lower Limb (MAS-AL), the Motricity Index of the Affected lower Limb (MI-AL), the Trunk Control Test (TCT), Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC), a 10 Meters Walking Test (10MWT), the modified Barthel Index (mBI), and the Walking Handicap Scale (WHS). Results: The 6MWT increased in both groups, which was confirmed by both frequentist and Bayesian analyses. Similar outcomes were registered in the MI-AL, 10MWT, mBI, and MAS-AL. The FAC and WHS showed a significant number of subjects improving in functional and community ambulation in both groups at T2. Conclusions: The clinical effects of o-RAGT were similar to conventional gait training in subacute stroke subjects. The results obtained in this study are encouraging and suggest future clinical trials on the topic.
Highlights
Introduction censeeMDPI, Basel, Switzerland.Approximately 65% of stroke survivors suffer from sensory, motor, and cognitive impairment, as well as a reduced ability to perform self-care and participate in social and community activities, with a negative impact on their autonomy and quality of life [1,2].Overground Robot-Assisted Gait Training (o-RAGT) is a recent cutting-edge neurorehabilitation treatment based on the Wearable Powered Exoskeleton (WPE) which helps a subject to walk over a hard surface in a clinical environment [3]
The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of employing an overground WPE for gait training in subacute stroke subjects, investigating the clinical effects compared to conventional gait training
A multicenter, randomized, per-protocol controlled trial (NCT03395717) was carried out with a group of subjects who satisfied the following criteria: a first cerebral stroke with a Total Anterior Circulation Infarct (TACI), Partial Anterior Circulation Infarct (PACI), or Lacunar Anterior Circulation Infarct (LACI); a delay since the stroke ≤6 months; an age between 18–80 years; the ability to fit into the WPE
Summary
Introduction censeeMDPI, Basel, Switzerland.Approximately 65% of stroke survivors suffer from sensory, motor, and cognitive impairment, as well as a reduced ability to perform self-care and participate in social and community activities, with a negative impact on their autonomy and quality of life [1,2].Overground Robot-Assisted Gait Training (o-RAGT) is a recent cutting-edge neurorehabilitation treatment based on the Wearable Powered Exoskeleton (WPE) which helps a subject to walk over a hard surface in a clinical environment [3]. WPEs are able to emulate overground human neuromotor control of locomotion, and they can provide early, intensive, and specific gait training. The o-RAGT could represent an innovative solution, compared with conventional gait training, since it provides intensive overground gait training even in subjects who are not able to maintain an upright position. Overground Robot-Assisted Gait Training (o-RAGT) provides intensive gait rehabilitation. This study investigated the efficacy of o-RAGT in subacute stroke subjects, compared to conventional gait training. Methods: A multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted on subacute stroke subjects (38 in the Experimental Group (EG) and 37 in the Control Group (CG)). Both groups received 15 sessions of gait training (5 sessions/week for 60 min) and daily conventional rehabilitation.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
