使用自控式電動步行矯具(UPGO)作為慢性期中風患者之平衡及行走復健之效用

Background and Purpose. This case study describes the training effect in balance and gait rehabilitation that used an exoskeletal robot called User-controlled Powered Gait Orthoses (UPGO). This experiment also investigated the feasibility and usability in using UPGO device as rehabilitation method on chronic stroke patients. Case Descriptions. The subject who participated in this study was 50 years old. He is the first stroke survivor and had suffered subarachnoid hemorrhagic stroke with right hemiplegia for 23 months before admission to the study who participated in this total 13 evaluation and training sessions. After the training sessions, we evaluate subject in 5-repetition sit-to-stand (STS) test, Berg Balance Scale, POMA (Tinetti balance assessment), TUG, 10 MWT. Results. By the end of training sessions, patient had shown improvements in scores on Berg Balance Scale, POMA Scale, 10-m timed walking test, and STS movement and Gait performance. Discussion. Due to different design, we clarify the efficiency and effectiveness of using exoskeleton robot as a rehabilitation method could possibly improve user’s movement stability and postural symmetry, such as averaging the loading of legs, walking step length and evening the gait cycle when users perform Sit-to-Stand or Stand-to-Sit movement and level walking. Conclusion. Using UPGO as a rehabilitation method in recovery phase stroke patient may be a choice for improving user’s balance. In this case study, subject had improvements in gait performance, functional activities, balance, and motor control.