Clinical efficacy of overground powered exoskeleton for gait training in patients with subacute stroke: A randomized controlled pilot trial

Hyun Joon Yoo, Cho Rong Bae, Hyeonsoon Jeong, Myoung Hwan Ko, Yoon Kyoo Kang, Sung Bom Pyun

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: To investigate the efficacy and usefulness of 12 sessions of overground robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) in subacute stroke patients. Methods: In this pilot study, 17 subacute stroke survivors were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 9) and control (n = 8) groups. In addition to the conventional stroke neurorehabilitation program, the intervention group received 30 minutes of overground exoskeletal RAGT, while the control group received 30 minutes of conventional gait training by a physiotherapist. All interventions were performed in 12 sessions (3 times/week for 4 weeks). The primary aim was to assess ambulation ability using the functional ambulation category (FAC). The 10-m walk test, Berg Balance Scale, timed-up-and-go Timed-up-and-go, Fugl-Meyer assessment of lower extremity, pulmonary function test, the Korean version of the modified Barthel index, and Euro quality of life-5 dimensions (EQ-5D) were assessed. All outcomes were evaluated both before and after the intervention. Results: The Berg Balance Scale, Korean version of the modified Barthel index, and EQ-5D scores (P <.05) improved significantly in both groups. Only those in the RAGT group improved significantly in the FAC, timed-up-and-go, and 10-m walk test (P <.05). In the FAC and EQ-5D, the intervention group showed greater improvement than the control group (P <.05). Conclusion: We found that 4 weeks of overground RAGT combined with conventional training may improve walking independence and quality of life in patients with subacute stroke.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)E32761
JournalMedicine (United States)
Volume102
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023 Jan 27

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • cerebrovascular disorders
  • neurological rehabilitation
  • rehabilitation
  • stroke

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Clinical efficacy of overground powered exoskeleton for gait training in patients with subacute stroke: A randomized controlled pilot trial'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this