Effects of robot-assisted gait training on spatiotemporal gait parameters and balance in patients with chronic stroke: A randomized controlled pilot trial.

BACKGROUND: Body weight-supported treadmill training assisted by a robotic gait orthosis is a helpful tool for restoring a symmetrical gait pattern in people with gait discrepancies.

OBJECTIVE: This study's aim was to compare the effects of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) versus treadmill gait training (TGT) on spatiotemporal gait parameters, balance, and activities-specific balance confidence with stroke patients.

METHODS: Eighteen participants with stroke were randomly assigned to RAGT or TGT. Each group underwent twenty sessions (1 h/d, 5 d/wk for 4 weeks). Patients were assessed with gait parameters (gait speed, cadence, step length, and double limb support period) using the GAITRite, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score, and the activities-specific balance confidence (ABC) score before and after the intervention.

RESULTS: Gait speed (P = 0.003), cadence (P = 0.002), step length (P = 0.004), the BBS score (P = 0.048), and the ABC score (P = 0.017) were significantly higher in the RAGT group than in the TGT group, while the double limb support period was significantly lower in the RAGT group (P = 0.043).

CONCLUSION: RAGT using Lokomat may be more effective than TGT in improving waking ability, balance, and balance confidence in patients with chronic stroke.