Clinical Effectiveness of Robot-assisted Gait Training in Patients With Lower Limb Burns Accompanied by Fractures: Pilot Study

Clinical Effectiveness of Robot-assisted Gait Training in Patients With Lower Limb Burns Accompanied by Fractures: Pilot Study

Gait dysfunction, common in patients with lower limb burns accompanied by fractures, requires acute rehabilitation. This study investigated the clinical effects of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) on gait function in patients with lower limb burns accompanied by fractures.

In this preliminary study, RAGT will be conducted using an end-effector-type gait-training robot. Participants will receive 60 min of gait training daily (30 min of conventional gait training and 30 min of RAGT) for 8 weeks. We plan to conduct clinical evaluations related to gait function of the participants included in the preliminary study before training and after 8 weeks of training.

Background : Gait dysfunction, common in patients with lower limb burns accompanied by fractures, requires acute rehabilitation. This study investigated the clinical effects of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) on gait function in patients with lower limb burns accompanied by fractures.

Material and Methods: In this preliminary study, RAGT will be conducted using an end-effector-type gait-training robot. Participants will receive 60 min of gait training daily (30 min of conventional gait training and 30 min of RAGT) for 8 weeks. We plan to conduct clinical evaluations related to gait function of the participants included in the preliminary study before training and after 8 weeks of training. To evaluate clinical efficacy, functional ambulation category (FAC), muscle strength (manual muscle test, MMT), active range of motion (AROM) of the lower limbs, 6-minute walking test (6 MWT), pain score, gait kinematics, and spatiotemporal gait parameters will be measured before and after 8 weeks training.

Inclusion Criteria:

• aged 19 years or older
• admitted to the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine after the wound had epithelialized following wound treatment via skin grafting or aseptic dressing procedures
• underwent fixation or brace treatment after a lower limb fracture was diagnosed via imaging at the time of injury
• sufficient cognitive function to follow the therapist's instructions during training
• a functional ambulatory category (FAC) of 1 or higher and 3 or lower.

Exclusion Criteria:

• unable to bear weight owing to fracture union failure or complications such as osteomyelitis
• severe pain rendering the patient unable to wear the robotic device
• scars that may bleed or become infected when wearing the robotic device
• a history of lower limb weakness or reduced gait ability due to other causes prior to injury
• lower limb sensory disturbances caused by peripheral neuropathic diseases such as diabetes
• height less than 120 cm or body mass more than 120 kg
• withdrawal of consent.