Three cases with ataxic gait disorder improved by using a hybrid assistive limb robot suit

Abstract

We experienced three patients with ataxia after stroke (ataxic hemiparesis in chronic stroke or Wallenberg syndrome in acute stroke) whose neurological deficits improved following rehabilitation using a hybrid assistive limb (HAL). All three patients had ataxia involving their limbs and/or trunk. During the HAL rehabilitation, knee flexion and stretch, sit-to-stand, and walking were all performed. HAL rehabilitation enabled them to stabilize their center of gravity. Furthermore, HAL rehabilitation shortened the time of their 10 meter walk. According to our results, we believe that HAL can be used to ameliorate the balancing and walking function in patients with ataxia after stroke.