The efficacy of exercises using balance exercise assist robot for the patients with chronic myelopathy

Abstract

Exercise with a Balance Exercise Assist Robot (BEAR ex.) is reportedly effective for improving dynamic balance and muscle strength of lower extremities of patients with central nervous system disorder and frailty. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of this training using the BEAR for chronic myelopathy with balance disorder. This study was designed as a crossover trial. Participants were divided into group A and group B. The period is 4 weeks. Group A that is BEAR ex. 8 days in two weeks, then conducts conventional balance exercise (CON ex.) on 8 days in two weeks. Group B was in the reverse of the protocol of group A. Outcome measures: Berg balance scale (BBS), functional reach test (FRT), timed up and go test (TUG) and muscle strength of the lower extremities (hip flexion, knee extension, ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion) were assessed before and after of each exercise. After the exercise, each participant rated whether the exercises had been satisfied through a questionnaire. Comparison between changes before and after each exercise and changes in each exercise were used a paired t test. The level of significance was less than 5%. There were 18 participants(12 men, 6 women; age 71 ± 9 years; duration of morbidity 14 ± 13 years) who completed this study. Group A were 8 cases, Group B were 10 cases. FRT were increased with both exercise. BBS and muscle strength of hip flexion were increased with BEAR ex. Changes in each exercise was no significant difference in all measurements. The satisfaction of each exercise was 15 cases preferred BEAR ex. In chronic myelopathy with balance disorders, the BEAR ex. showed the same improvement of dynamic balance as CON ex. Also it was excellent in maintaining motivation to practice.