Robotic assisted and exoskeleton gait training effect in mental health and fatigue of multiple sclerosis patients. A systematic review and a meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose Robotic and Exoskeleton Assisted Gait Training (REAGT) has become the mainstream gait training module. Studies are investigating the psychosocial effects of REAGT mostly as secondary outcomes. Our systematic review and meta-analysis aims to investigate the effects of REAGT in MS patients’ mental health and fatigue. Materials and methods We searched the electronic databases (Scopus, PubMed, Pedro, Cochrane Trials, Dare) for RCT studies fulfilling our inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis of available assessment tools was conducted calculating the summary mean differences in two different timepoints, before and after the intervention using random-effects models. Results The systematic search of the electronic databases identified 302 studies. Seven RCT studies were considered eligible for data extraction and meta-analysis, according to our eligibility criteria. We were able to obtain adequate data to proceed with a quantitative synthesis for QoL SF36–MC (Mental Component), QoL SF-36 mental and psychosocial subscales, Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54-Mental Health Composite (MSQoL-54-MHC), Patient’s Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Conclusions Overall, REAGT seems to have a positive effect to Quality of Life, especially in MS patients’ perspective of General and Mental Health and a slight positive effect in depression as measured by PHQ-9. Implications for rehabilitation Multiple Sclerosis (MS) decreases physical and non-physical aspects of patients’ quality of life perspective. Rehabilitation strategy must take into consideration the non-physical effects of a training intervention. Robotic and Exoskeleton Gait Training has a positive effect in MS patients’ non-physical quality of life and a slight positive effect in depression.