BACKGROUND AND AIM

Stroke patients with low levels of walking independence often experience persistent deficits in gait and balance, which significantly limit their functional mobility and quality of life. Robotic-assist gait training (RAGT) has emerged as a promising intervention to promote motor recovery and improve postural control in this patients. While previous studies have demonstrated the benefits of RAGT, few have directly compared the effects of fixed end-effector type and mobile robotic gait devices in patients with severely impaired ambulation. This study aimed to investigate and compare the effects of these two robotic gait training on balance and lower extremities motor recovery in stroke patients classified as functional ambulation category 0 to 2.

METHODS

Twenty-eight stroke patients were randomly assigned to either end-effector or mobile robot groups, undergoing 12 weeks of therapy with one daily robotic session and seven conventional physical therapy sessions per week. Outcomes were measured using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Lower Extremity (FMA-LE), with subcategory analysis for reflex activities, volitional movement within synergies, volitional movement mixing synergies, volitional movement with little or no synergy, normal reflex activity, and coordination/speed.

RESULTS

Both groups showed significant improvements in BBS and FMA-LE, with the mobile robot group showing greater gains. Both groups improved in walking independence, though no significant difference was found between them. Subcategory analysis showed improvements in reflex activities and coordination/speed in both groups, but volitional movement within synergies and volitional movement with little or no synergy improved only in the mobile robot group. Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships between FAC and BBS, and BBS and reflex activities. Volitional movement within synergies and volitional movement mixing synergies had high correlations with motor recovery.

CONCLUSION

Both robotic methods effectively improved balance and motor recovery, with mobile robots showing greater potential for enhancing functional autonomy.