Effect of Wearable Robot-Assisted Gait Training on Balance and Walking Ability in Subacute Stroke Patients

Objective This study investigated the effectiveness of wearable robot-assisted gait training compared to treadmill gait training for improving balance and walking ability in stroke patients. Design Sixty stroke patients (67.13 ± 11.36 yrs; 37 males and 23 females) undergoing physical therapy were recruited from C Hospital in Seoul, Korea. Patients were randomly assigned to either the wearable robot-assisted gait training group ( n = 30) or the treadmill gait training group ( n = 30). Both groups received 30-min training sessions 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Balance ability was assessed using the L-symmetry, and Berg Balance Scale and motor recovery by Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the Lower Extremity. Cadence, step length, and stride length were measured to evaluate walking ability. Follow-up assessments were conducted at 16 wks. Results After 8 wks of treatment, the wearable robot-assisted gait training group demonstrated significant functional improvements in motor ability and balance (Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the Lower Extremity, P < 0.001; L-symmetry, P = 0.049; Berg Balance Scale, P < 0.001) and walking ability (cadence, P = 0.017; step length, P = 0.038; stride length, P = 0.042). At the 16-wk follow-up, the wearable robot-assisted gait training group maintained significant gains in motor ability and balance (Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the Lower Extremity, P < 0.001; L-symmetry, P = 0.025; Berg Balance Scale, P = 0.011) and walking ability (cadence, P < 0.001; step length, P = 0.025; stride length, P = 0.001). Conclusions The overground wearable robotic device used in this study, wearable robot-assisted gait training was found to be more effective than treadmill gait training in improving motor ability and balance, and walking ability in stroke patients.