Effects of Robotic-Assisted Gait Training in Patients With Stroke (EoRAGTiPwS)

Effects of Robotic-Assisted Gait Training on Functional Independence, Functional Capacity, and Quality of Life in Patients With Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Study

This study was conducted to examine effects of gait training with exoskeleton ExoAthlet and Lokomat Free-D on functional independence, functional capacity and quality of life in stroke patients.

The study included 32 patients who had stroke. Participants were randomized into two groups. Functional independence of patients was evaluated with Functional Independence Measure (FIM), physical function with 30-second chair stand test (30-CST), functional capacity with 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and their quality of life with Short Form 36 (SF36). Conventional physiotherapy program was applied to groups for eight weeks, three days a week, each session 60 minutes. Then, one group received walking exercise training with exoskeleton ExoAthlet (ExoAtlet 1 model/2019, Russia), other group with Lokomat Free-D (Hocoma, Lokomat Pro Free-D model/2015, Switzerland). Participants were assessed at baseline and post-intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between18-65 years old
• Patients who had a stroke at least three months ago
• Can independently ambulated

Exclusion Criteria:

• Heart failure and rhythm disorder,
• Visual and cognitive problems,
• Neglect phenomenon (Neglect Syndrome),
• Cerebellar pathology,
• Any lower extremity surgery
• An additional neurological pathology that could prevent receiving a training program