Effects of robot-assisted gait training in stroke patients

Abstract

Stroke patients present significant gait deficits due to the complexity of their disabilities. Robot-assisted gait training (RGT), in addition to reducing the therapist’s physical overload, ensures a simpler and safer environment for gait training, in which symmetrical and constant movement patterns of the lower limbs can be developed at higher speeds, and allows for a longer therapy session. Despite an increasing use of this equipment in rehabilitation, there is a lack of knowledge about the effects that can be promoted in paretic gait, as well as the training protocols applied to achieve them. Objective: Thus, this study aimed to assess the current evidence for efficacy of RGT in post-stroke individuals, with emphasis on gait performance. Method: For this, a survey of studies published in the last 10 years (2003-2013) with the terms “stroke” and “gait” and “robotics” was conducted in the PubMed, MedLine and LILACS databases. Results: Five studies were selected that met the inclusion criteria, including using the Lokomat robotic device (Hocoma, Volketswil) for gait training in post-stroke patients. The results obtained for each study considered the gains in linear gait parameters (speed and distance traveled) promoted by robotic therapy compared to conventional therapy. Conclusion: The data suggest that the use of robotic therapy in gait rehabilitation of post-stroke patients does not produce any more gains than those obtained with conventional therapy.