Electromechanical-assisted Gait Training Research Articles

Efficacy and safety of EXOWALK® on electromechanical-assisted gait training: study protocol for randomized controlled trial

BackgroundHigh-intensity repetitive task-specific practice might be the most effective strategy to promote motor recovery after stroke, and electromechanical-assisted gait training represents one of the treatment options. However, there is still difficulty in clarifying the difference between conventional gait training and electromechanically assisted gait training.MethodsThe study is a multicenter, randomized, parallel-group clinical trial for stroke patients. Three clinical research centers in Korea (Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Chungnam National University Hospital, and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital) will participate in the clinical trial and 144 stroke patients will be registered. Enrolled patients are assigned to two groups, an experimental group and a control group, according to a randomization table. In addition, patients are treated for half an hour (one session) five times a week for 4 weeks. Both groups carry out basic rehabilitation (central nervous system development therapy and strength exercise) and the experimental group executes robotic walking rehabilitation treatment, and the control group executes conventional gait rehabilitation treatment. The primary endpoint variable is the Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) that determines the degree of independent walking and is measured before, after, and after 4 weeks of treatment. Secondary endpoint variables are 11 variables that take into account motor function and range, measured at the same time as the primary endpoint variable.DiscussionThere are still insufficient data on the effectiveness of electromechanical-assisted gait training for stroke patients and large-scale research is lacking. Thus, the research described here is a large-scale study of stroke patients that can supplement the limitations mentioned in other previous studies. In addition, the clinical studies described here include physical epidemiological analysis parameters that can determine walking ability. The results of this study can lead to prove the generalizable effectiveness and safety of electromechanical-assisted gait training with EXOWALK®.Trial registrationClinical Research Information Service (CRIS), Republic of Korea KCT0003411, Registered on 30 October 2018

Comparison of high-intensive and low-intensive electromechanical-assisted gait training by Exowalk® in patients over 3-month post-stroke

BackgroundThis study was conducted to assess the effect of electromechanical-assisted gait training intensity on walking ability in patients over 3-month post-stroke.MethodsData from two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were collected under the same study design of assessment and intervention, excluding intervention time per session. After matching the inclusion criteria of two RCTs, the experimental groups of each RCT were defined as low-intensive (LI) and high-intensive (HI) group according to the intervention time per session. Primary outcome was the difference of the change in Functional Ambulatory Categories (FAC) between LI and HI gait training. Secondary outcomes were the difference of changes in mobility, walking speed, walking capacity, leg-muscle strength, balance and daily activity evaluated with Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI), 10 m walk test (10MWT), 6-min walk test (6MWT), Motricity Index (MI), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Modified Barthel Index (MBI) respectively.ResultsThe FAC improved after gait training in both groups. The secondary outcomes also improved in both groups except RMI and MI in HI group. The change of all outcomes were not different between groups except RMI. The change of RMI in the LI group was greater than that in the HI group statistically, but it did not meet minimal clinically important difference.ConclusionsThe improvement of walking ability after LI or HI gait training was not different if providing the same total gait training time. By providing the electromechanical gait training intensively, we could shorten the gait training period to improve walking ability and customize the training program according to the patient training abilities.Trial registrationName of the registry: Clinical Research Information Service. Trial registration number: No. KCT0002195(RCT1), No. KCT0002552(RCT2). Date of registration: 10/04/2016(RCT1), 10/05/2017(RCT2). URL of the trial registry record: https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search

Efficacy of electromechanical-assisted gait training on clinical walking function and gait symmetry after brain injury of stroke: a randomized controlled trial

Electromechanical-assisted gait training may be an effective intervention to promote motor recovery after brain injury. However, many studies still have difficulties in clarifying the difference between electromechanical-assisted gait training and conventional gait training. To evaluate the effectiveness of electromechanical-assisted gait training compared to that of conventional gait training on clinical walking function and gait symmetry of stroke patients. We randomly assigned patients with stroke (n = 144) to a control group (physical therapist-assisted gait training) and an experimental group (electromechanical gait training). Both types of gait training were done for 30 min each day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change in functional ambulatory category (FAC). Secondary endpoints were clinical walking functions and gait symmetries of swing time and step length. All outcomes were measured at baseline (pre-intervention) and at 4 weeks after the baseline (post-intervention). FAC showed significant improvement after the intervention, as did clinical walking functions, in both groups. The step-length asymmetry improved in the control group, but that in the experimental group and the swing-time asymmetry in both groups did not show significant improvement. In the subgroup analysis of stroke duration of 90 days, FAC and clinical walking functions showed more significant improvement in the subacute group than in the chronic group. However, gait symmetries did not show any significant changes in either the subacute or the chronic group. Electromechanically assisted gait training by EXOWALK was as effective as conventional gait training with a physiotherapist. Although clinical walking function in the subacute group improved more than in the chronic group, gait asymmetry did not improve for either group after gait training.Trial registration: KCT0003411 Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS), Republic of Korea.

Electromechanical-assisted training for walking after stroke.

Electromechanical- and robot-assisted gait-training devices are used in rehabilitation and might help to improve walking after stroke. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2007 and previously updated in 2017. Primary • To determine whether electromechanical- and robot-assisted gait training versus normal care improves walking after stroke Secondary • To determine whether electromechanical- and robot-assisted gait training versus normal care after stroke improves walking velocity, walking capacity, acceptability, and death from all causes until the end of the intervention phase SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (last searched 6 January 2020); the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2020 Issue 1), in the Cochrane Library; MEDLINE in Ovid (1950 to 6 January 2020); Embase (1980 to 6 January 2020); the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL; 1982 to 20 November 2019); the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED; 1985 to 6 January 2020); Web of Science (1899 to 7January 2020); SPORTDiscus (1949 to 6 January 2020); the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro; searched 7January 2020); and the engineering databases COMPENDEX (1972 to 16 January 2020) and Inspec (1969 to 6 January 2020). We handsearched relevant conference proceedings, searched trials and research registers, checked reference lists, and contacted trial authors in an effort to identify further published, unpublished, and ongoing trials. We included all randomised controlled trials and randomised controlled cross-over trials in people over the age of 18 years diagnosed with stroke of any severity, at any stage, in any setting, evaluating electromechanical- and robot-assisted gait training versus normal care. Two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion, assessed methodological quality and risk of bias, and extracted data. We assessed the quality of evidence using the GRADE approach. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants walking independently at follow-up. We included in this review update 62 trials involving 2440 participants. Electromechanical-assisted gait training in combination with physiotherapy increased the odds of participants becoming independent in walking (odds ratio (random effects) 2.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.51 to 2.69;38 studies, 1567participants; P < 0.00001; I² = 0%; high-quality evidence) and increased mean walking velocity (mean difference (MD) 0.06 m/s, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.10; 42 studies, 1600 participants; P = 0.004; I² = 60%; low-quality evidence) but did not improve mean walking capacity(MD 10.9 metres walked in 6 minutes, 95% CI -5.7 to 27.4; 24 studies, 983 participants; P = 0.2; I² = 42%;moderate-quality evidence). Electromechanical-assisted gait training did not increase the risk of loss to the study during intervention nor the risk of death from all causes. Results must be interpreted with caution because (1) some trials investigated people who were independent in walking at the start of the study, (2) we found variation between trials with respect to devices used and duration and frequency of treatment, and (3) some trials included devices with functional electrical stimulation. Post hoc analysis showed that people who are non-ambulatory at the start of the intervention may benefit but ambulatory people may not benefit from this type of training. Post hoc analysis showed no differences between the types of devices used in studies regarding ability to walk but revealed differences between devices in terms of walking velocity and capacity. People who receive electromechanical-assisted gait training in combination with physiotherapy after stroke are more likely to achieve independent walking than people who receive gait training without these devices. We concluded that eight patients need to be treated to prevent one dependency in walking. Specifically, people in the first three months after stroke and those who are not able to walk seem to benefit most from this type of intervention. The role of the type of device is still not clear. Further research should consist of large definitive pragmatic phase 3 trials undertaken to address specific questions about the most effective frequency and duration of electromechanical-assisted gait training, as well as how long any benefit may last. Future trials should consider time post stroke in their trial design.

Effects of Electromechanical Exoskeleton-Assisted Gait Training on Walking Ability of Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of electromechanical exoskeleton-assisted gait training on walking ability of stroke patients based on ambulatory function, muscle strength, balance, gait speed, and capacity. DesignRandomized controlled trial. SettingUniversity rehabilitation hospital. ParticipantsIndividuals (N=40) with stroke who could stand alone. InterventionsPatients were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups. The control group underwent physical therapist-assisted gait training by conventional method. The experimental group underwent electromechanical gait training assisted by an exoskeleton device. Both types of gait training were performed for 30 minutes each day. The therapeutic interventions were provided for 5 days a week for a period of 4 weeks in both groups. Main Outcome MeasuresFunctional ambulatory category (FAC) before and after gait training. Changes in FAC were the primary outcomes to evaluate the efficacy of electromechanical exoskeleton-assisted gait training. Changes in mobility, walking speed, walking capacity, leg muscle strength, daily activity, and balance were secondary outcomes. ResultsFAC in the control group was 2.44±1.55 in the pretraining and 2.75±1.53 in the post-training. FAC in the experimental group was 3.22±1.31 in the pretraining and 3.78±1.44 in the post-training. Although FAC between pre- and post-training sessions improved in both groups, the changes in FAC were statistically significant in the experimental group alone. Most secondary outcomes in both groups also showed improvement after gait training. However, the differential outcomes were not varied between the 2 groups after adjusting the data for age and stroke duration. We did not exclude patients based on time since stroke onset. The average stroke duration was 530.11±389.21 days in the experimental group. The changes in FAC of the experimental group were negatively correlated with stroke duration. No adverse events were noticed during gait training in either group. ConclusionsElectromechanical exoskeleton-assisted gait training is as effective as conventional gait training by a physical therapist when administered by a gait trainer. As an overground walking system without harness, electromechanical exoskeleton replaced a physical therapist in assisted gait training for patients who stand alone. Because the ambulatory function of stroke patients was affected negatively by stroke duration, the effect of electromechanical-assisted gait training might decline with increased stroke duration.

Effects of electromechanical assisted gait training with Exowalk® on walking ability of chronic stroke patients: A randomized controlled trial

Exowalk® is an exoskeletal walk-robotic device designed for over-ground walking exercise. It is developed for any patients with gait difficulty to do gait training by providing a proper walking pattern. Electromechanical-assisted gait training is known to be effective for acute and sub acute stroke patients by many meta-analysis. This study was conducted to assess the effects of electromechanical-assisted gait training with Exowalk® on gait ability of chronic patients who had suffered from stroke at least for 3 months. We measure the leg muscle power, balance and gait velocity and capacity its effectiveness. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: University rehabilitation hospital. Participants: Individuals with stroke who could stand alone with onset > 3month. Interventions: Participants were randomly assigned into two groups: the experimental group (n = 20) by robot assisted gait training and the control group (n = 21) by physical therapist assisted gait training and receive gait training sessions (30 minutes a day, 5 days a week) with Exowalk® (experimental group) or with physical therapist (control group) for 4 weeks. Main outcome measures: Functional ambulatory category (FAC) before and after gait training. Change of FAC was the primary outcome to evaluate the efficacy of robot assisted gait training. Changes of mobility, walking speed, walking capacity, daily activity and balance were secondary outcomes. No significant difference in baseline (P > .05). Between pre and post-training of 0–2 weeks, the changes of outcome measures such as FAC, 6MWT, 10MWT, BBS, MBI in the experimental group were statistically significant (P < .05). Linear improvement showed in FAC, 10MWT, 6MWT,MI and BBS (0–2–4weeks). We try to analyzed the difference of two group 0–2–4 week. But the small number of patients to achieve 4 weeks (n = 14) and it did not reach statistical significance. To verify comparison the improvement of two groups 0–2–4 week, more number of patients is needed.

Electromechanical-Assisted Training for Walking After Stroke: A Major Update of the Evidence.

Electromechanical-assisted gait training uses specialist machines to assist walking practice and might help to improve walking after stroke. This update of our Cochrane review examined the effects of electromechanical and robot-assisted gait training devices for improving walking after stroke and also assessed the acceptability and safety of this type of therapy. We searched the cochrane stroke group trials register (last searched, August 2016), the cochrane central register of controlled trials (Cochrane Library 2016; Issue 8), MEDLINE in Ovid (1950 to August 2016), Embase (1980 to August 2016), CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature; …

Electromechanical-assisted training for walking after stroke.

Electromechanical- and robotic-assisted gait-training devices are used in rehabilitation and might help to improve walking after stroke. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2007. To investigate the effects of automated electromechanical- and robotic-assisted gait-training devices for improving walking after stroke. We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (last searched 9 August 2016), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (the Cochrane Library 2016, Issue 8), MEDLINE in Ovid (1950 to 15 August 2016), Embase (1980 to 15 August 2016), CINAHL (1982 to 15 August 2016), AMED (1985 to 15 August 2016), Web of Science (1899 to 16 August 2016), SPORTDiscus (1949 to 15 September 2012), the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) (searched 16 August 2016), and the engineering databases COMPENDEX (1972 to 16 November 2012) and Inspec (1969 to 26 August 2016). We handsearched relevant conference proceedings, searched trials and research registers, checked reference lists, and contacted authors in an effort to identify further published, unpublished, and ongoing trials. We included all randomised controlled trials and randomised controlled cross-over trials in people over the age of 18 years diagnosed with stroke of any severity, at any stage, in any setting, evaluating electromechanical- and robotic-assisted gait training versus normal care. Two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion, assessed methodological quality and risk of bias, and extracted the data. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants walking independently at follow-up. We included 36 trials involving 1472 participants in this review update. Electromechanical-assisted gait training in combination with physiotherapy increased the odds of participants becoming independent in walking (odds ratio (random effects) 1.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39 to 2.71; P < 0.001; I² = 8%; moderate-quality evidence) but did not significantly increase walking velocity (mean difference (MD) 0.04 m/s, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.09; P = 0.08; I² = 65%; low-quality evidence) or walking capacity (MD 5.84 metres walked in 6 minutes, 95% CI -16.73 to 28.40; P = 0.61; I² = 53%; very low-quality evidence). The results must be interpreted with caution because 1) some trials investigated people who were independent in walking at the start of the study, 2) we found variations between the trials with respect to devices used and duration and frequency of treatment, and 3) some trials included devices with functional electrical stimulation. Our planned subgroup analysis suggested that people in the acute phase may benefit, but people in the chronic phase may not benefit from electromechanical-assisted gait training. Post hoc analysis showed that people who are non-ambulatory at intervention onset may benefit, but ambulatory people may not benefit from this type of training. Post hoc analysis showed no differences between the types of devices used in studies regarding ability to walk, but significant differences were found between devices in terms of walking velocity. People who receive electromechanical-assisted gait training in combination with physiotherapy after stroke are more likely to achieve independent walking than people who receive gait training without these devices. We concluded that seven patients need to be treated to prevent one dependency in walking. Specifically, people in the first three months after stroke and those who are not able to walk seem to benefit most from this type of intervention. The role of the type of device is still not clear. Further research should consist of large definitive pragmatic phase III trials undertaken to address specific questions about the most effective frequency and duration of electromechanical-assisted gait training as well as how long any benefit may last.

Cross-cultural validation of the ICOAP, physical function short forms of the HOOS, KOOS in patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis

p< 0.00001) but did not significantly increase walking velocity (mean difference (MD) = 0.04m/s, 95%CI−0.03 to 0.11; p= 0.26) or walking capacity (MD=3 metres walked in six minutes, 95% CI −29 to 35; p= 0.86). Our subgroup analysis suggests that people in the acute phase may benefit and people who are non-ambulatorymay benefit from this type of training.We found significant differences between devices in terms of walking velocity in favour of end-effector devices. Conclusion(s): Patients who receive electromechanicalassisted gait training in combination with physiotherapy after stroke are more likely to achieve independent walking than people who receive gait training without these devices. Implications: There is still a need for well-designed, large-scale, multicentre studies to evaluate the benefits and harms of electromechanical-assisted gait training on walking after stroke including only non-ambulatory patients in the very early stages after stroke.Currently comparisons between different devices are also lacking. Future research should include estimates of the costs (or savings) due to electromechanical gait training. Further analyses should investigate whether non-ambulatory or ambulatory patients may profit most and trials should include outcomemeasures in the activities of daily living and quality of life domains. Future updates of this review should consider investigating the effect of different control interventions using subgroup analysis.Additionally, in the next update the effect of different duration and intensity of the treatment (e.g. less than versusmore than four weeks; five days per week versus less than five days) should be compared.

Electromechanical-Assisted Training for Walking After Stroke

Improving walking after stroke is one of the main goals of rehabilitation. Electromechanical-assisted gait training uses specialist machines to assist walking practice and might help to improve walking after stroke. Our systematic review examined the effects of electromechanical and robotic-assisted gait training devices for improving walking after stroke and also assessed the acceptability and safety of this type of therapy. We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (last searched April 2012), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; The Cochrane Library 2012, Issue 2), MEDLINE (1966 to November 2012), EMBASE (1980 to November …

Electromechanical-assisted training for walking after stroke.

Electromechanical and robotic-assisted gait training devices are used in rehabilitation and might help to improve walking after stroke. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2007. To investigate the effects of automated electromechanical and robotic-assisted gait training devices for improving walking after stroke. We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (last searched April 2012), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2012, Issue 2), MEDLINE (1966 to November 2012), EMBASE (1980 to November 2012), CINAHL (1982 to November 2012), AMED (1985 to November 2012), SPORTDiscus (1949 to September 2012), the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro, searched November 2012) and the engineering databases COMPENDEX (1972 to November 2012) and INSPEC (1969 to November 2012). We handsearched relevant conference proceedings, searched trials and research registers, checked reference lists and contacted authors in an effort to identify further published, unpublished and ongoing trials. We included all randomised and randomised cross-over trials consisting of people over 18 years old diagnosed with stroke of any severity, at any stage, or in any setting, evaluating electromechanical and robotic-assisted gait training versus normal care. Two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion, assessed methodological quality and extracted the data. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants walking independently at follow-up. In this update of our review, we included 23 trials involving 999 participants. Electromechanical-assisted gait training in combination with physiotherapy increased the odds of participants becoming independent in walking (odds ratio (OR) (random effects) 2.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.67 to 3.43; P < 0.00001; I² = 0%) but did not significantly increase walking velocity (mean difference (MD) = 0.04 metres/s, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.11; P = 0.26; I² = 73%) or walking capacity (MD = 3 metres walked in six minutes, 95% CI -29 to 35; P = 0.86; I² = 70%). The results must be interpreted with caution because (1) some trials investigated people who were independent in walking at the start of the study, (2) we found variations between the trials with respect to devices used and duration and frequency of treatment, and (3) some trials included devices with functional electrical stimulation. Our planned subgroup analysis suggests that people in the acute phase may benefit but people in the chronic phase may not benefit from electromechanical-assisted gait training. Post hoc analysis showed that people who are non-ambulatory at intervention onset may benefit but ambulatory people may not benefit from this type of training. Post hoc analysis showed no differences between the types of devices used in studies regarding ability to walk, but significant differences were found between devices in terms of walking velocity. People who receive electromechanical-assisted gait training in combination with physiotherapy after stroke are more likely to achieve independent walking than people who receive gait training without these devices. Specifically, people in the first three months after stroke and those who are not able to walk seem to benefit most from this type of intervention. The role of the type of device is still not clear. Further research should consist of a large definitive, pragmatic, phase III trial undertaken to address specific questions such as the following: What frequency or duration of electromechanical-assisted gait training might be most effective? How long does the benefit last?

Electromechanical-assisted gait training after stroke: A systematic review comparing end-effector and exoskeleton devices

Although electromechanical-assisted gait training after stroke seems to be effective, in the absence of a direct comparison between electromechanical devices it is not clear which device may be the most effective for recovery of walking. The aim of this study was therefore to compare the effects of different devices used in gait training after stroke. We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, SPORTDiscus, PEDro, COMPENDEX and INSPEC. In addition, we hand-searched relevant conference proceedings, trials and research registers, checked reference lists and contacted authors to identify further trials. Randomized studies were included. Authors independently selected trials for inclusion, assessed trial quality and extracted the data. Data were extracted with the help of a standardized data extraction form. Data were pooled for meta-analysis. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients walking independently. We included 18 trials involving 885 patients. We found significantly higher rates of independent walking in end-effector compared with exoskeleton-based training (p = 0.03). Complication rates in both groups were comparable. The results suggest that the type of electromechanical-assisted device might influence the outcome of gait rehabilitation after stroke.

Electromechanical-Assisted Gait Training With Physiotherapy May Improve Walking After Stroke

Graeme J. Hankey MD, FRCP Section Editor: Many patients after stroke have difficulties with walking, and improving walking is one of the main goals of rehabilitation. Electromechanical and robotic-assisted gait training devices are used in rehabilitation and might help to restore walking after stroke. This systematic review examined the effectiveness of automated electromechanical and robotic-assisted gait training devices for improving walking after stroke. We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (last searched September 2006), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2006), MEDLINE (1966 to September 2006), …