Robotic-Assisted System in Enhancing Balance, Postural Stability, Functional Gait and Fall Efficacy in Older Adults

Investigating the Role of a Robotic-Assisted System in Enhancing Balance, Postural Stability, Functional Gait and Fall Efficacy in Older Adults Compared to Otago Exercise Programme - A Pilot Study

Our study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a more individualized and personalized feedback-oriented approach using a Robotic Assisted System, the Hunova Movendo Robotic System. This system is tailored to specific needs of individuals and is dynamically adjustable relative to patients' balance and functional demands. It will be compared to Otago Exercise Programme which is more generalized. Given the generalized nature of the Otago Exercise Programme, we aim to compare it with the Robotic Assisted Systems in the enhancement of Balance, Postural Stability, Functional Gait and Fall Efficacy in older adults.

Aging comes with increased risk of fall and a steep decline in adequate motor functioning, as such due to the decline in proprioception, balance and general functional independence the risk of falls and injury is high in aging adults impacting quality of life.

Traditional approaches like the Otago Exercise Programmes (and other Balance and Mobility exercise protocols) have been relatively effective in the management of falls yet there's a remarkable and persistent increase in fall rates, postural instability and functional gait limitations in older adults largely due to the generalized nature of these protocols. The limitations of these traditional approaches in individualizing treatment protocols created a need for advanced and more dynamic systems that can fill this gap and/or complement these traditional approaches.

Modern Technology, including Hunova Robotic systems are novel approaches that seek to solve these limitations by tailoring interventions to patients' needs creating real time feedback mechanisms assisting in intervention prescriptions and analysis. The preciseness of these modern systems assist in creating integrated systems that enhance organization of these interventions improving overall outcomes.

Literature supporting the use of the Robotic Assisted Systems on Fall efficacy, postural stability and functional gait is very limited, necessitating a need for studies comparing the effectiveness of this technology on these components compared to Otago Exercise Programme. This research aims to investigate the effectiveness of a Robotic Assisted System in improving fall efficacy, postural stability and functional gait in older adults and in general geriatric rehabilitation. With the increased emphasis on robotic-assisted rehabilitation due to its accuracy, individualized patient focused design and feedback mechanisms, the study becomes all the more imperative.

This Research attempts to compare the Robotic Assisted System on Fall Efficacy, Functional Gait and postural stability with Otago Exercise Programme.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 60 years old to 85 years old - young to Old Individuals.
• Mini Mental Scale Examination Score > 24.
• Able to walk independently with and without mild assistance (Berg's Balance Score between 35 and 45)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unable to understand and follow instructions.
• History of vestibular dysfunction.
• Any severe Musculoskeletal problems restricting mobility.
• Current Physiotherapy training or balance exercises focusing on proprioception or fall risk.