Robotic Versus Conventional Training on Hemiplegic Gait.

A Randomized Controlled Trial on Hemiplegic Gait Rehabilitation: Robotic Locomotor Training Versus Conventional Training in Subacute Stroke.

The incidence of stroke in the industrial world is still high. Most of the patients are suffering from paresis of the affected side, speech and cognition problems. Modern concepts of motor learning after stroke favouring a task-specific repetitive high-intensity therapy approach to promote motor outcome. In the last couple of years robot-assisted therapy became an important part of modern rehabilitation after stroke. But so far there is no clear evidence that robot assisted therapy in combination with conventional therapy is more effective than conventional therapy alone to promote motor functions after stroke.

Inclusion criteria:

• Subacute first-time stroke patients(hemorrhage and ischemic)
• Age 18-80 years.
• Impaired Functional Ambulation Category at initial score 0-2
• Cardiovascular stable
• Given signed inform consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unstable general medical condition

• Severe malposition or fixed contracture of joint with an extension deficit of more than 30 degree

• Any functional impairment prior to stroke

• Can not adequately cooperate in training

  • Severe communication problems
  • Severe cognitive - perceptual deficits