Conflicting results of robot-assisted versus usual gait training during postacute rehabilitation of stroke patients: a randomized clinical trial. Issue 1 (March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Taveggia, Giovanni; Borboni, Alberto; Mulé, Chiara; Villafañe, Jorge H.; Negrini, Stefano
• Is Part Of: International journal of rehabilitation research. Volume 39:Issue 1(2016:Mar.)
• Publication Date: 2016-03
• Subjects: gait training -- hemiparesis -- robotics -- stroke; Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Rehabilitation -- periodicals; Disabled Persons -- periodicals; 617.03
• DOI: 10.1097/MRR.0000000000000137
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0342-5282

Abstract

Abstract : Robot gait training has the potential to increase the effectiveness of walking therapy. Clinical outcomes after robotic training are often not superior to conventional therapy. We evaluated the effectiveness of a robot training compared with a usual gait training physiotherapy during a standardized rehabilitation protocol in inpatient participants with poststroke hemiparesis. This was a randomized double-blind clinical trial in a postacute physical and rehabilitation medicine hospital. Twenty-eight patients, 39.3% women (72±6 years), with hemiparesis (<6 months after stroke) receiving a conventional treatment according to the Bobath approach were assigned randomly to an experimental or a control intervention of robot gait training to improve walking (five sessions a week for 5 weeks). Outcome measures included the 6-min walk test, the 10 m walk test, Functional Independence Measure, SF-36 physical functioning and the Tinetti scale. Outcomes were collected at baseline, immediately following the intervention period and 3 months following the end of the intervention. The experimental group showed a significant increase in functional independence and gait speed (10 m walk test) at the end of the treatment and follow-up, higher than the minimal detectable change. The control group showed a significant increase in the gait endurance (6-min walk test) at the follow-up, higher than the minimal detectable change. Both treatments were effective in the improvement of gait performances, although the statistical analysis of functional independence showed a significant improvement in the experimental group, indicating possible advantages during generic activities of daily living compared with overground treatment.