Robotic tilt table exercises versus conventional exercises in rehabilitation of hemiplegic patients

Abstract

Background/Aims: Early mobilisation in people with stroke has the potential to affect a number of health-related areas, such as power, coordination, reflex activity, joint range of motion and wellbeing. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a 1-month exercise programme using a robotic tilt table over conventional physiotherapy treatment in the rehabilitation of patients with hemiplegia following stroke. Methods: A total of30 patients with acute stroke were included in the study and randomised equally into two groups (15 in each group), using the lottery method. Group A underwent conventional physiotherapy and Group B had robotic tilt table therapy. Patients were reassessed after 30 days. Outcome measures used were the Quality of Life scale and muscle strength. Findings: Both the groups improved in Quality of Life scores and motor power, but Group B improved significantly more than the conventional physiotherapy group. Conclusions: Robotic tilt table exercises were found to be beneficial in hemiplegic patients in improving quality of life and muscle strength.