Effectiveness of Robotic-Assisted Gait Training in Enhancing Functional Mobility in Post-Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Authors

  • Umar Farooq Therapy Plus Clinic, Lahore, Pakistan Author
  • Muhammad Tahir Therapy Plus Clinic, Lahore, Pakistan Author

Keywords:

Robotic-assisted gait training, stroke rehabilitation, gait speed, Berg Balance Scale, Functional Independence Measure, randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Gait impairment is a significant issue in stroke recovery, often leading to prolonged disability. Robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) has gained attention as a beneficial intervention, providing specific, repetitive training aimed at enhancing functional recovery. Objective: This study aims to assess the impact of RAGT on improving gait speed, balance, and activities of daily living (ADL) in patients recovering from a stroke, in comparison with traditional gait training methods. Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, 50 patients who had suffered strokes were divided equally into two groups: one undergoing RAGT and the other receiving conventional gait training (CGT). The RAGT group participated in sessions lasting 30 minutes each, five times a week, over a period of four weeks. Similarly, the CGT group engaged in therapist-assisted training of the same duration and frequency. Key outcomes measured included gait speed, assessed in meters per second, balance using the Berg Balance Scale, and ADL through the Functional Independence Measure. Assessments were made at the start, after the intervention, and at a four-week follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 25, with a significance threshold set at p<0.05. Results: Patients in the RAGT group exhibited more significant improvements in gait speed (increase of 0.28 ± 0.12 m/s vs. 0.16 ± 0.13 m/s, p<0.001), balance (increase of 10.4 ± 3.8 points vs. 6.2 ± 4.1 points on the Berg Balance Scale, p<0.001), and ADL (increase of 12.4 ± 5.4 points vs. 7.5 ± 6.1 points on the Functional Independence Measure, p<0.01) compared to those in the CGT group. Conclusion: RAGT significantly enhances functional mobility in patients’ post-stroke, showing superior improvements in gait speed, balance, and ADL compared to conventional methods. It emerges as a promising intervention for stroke rehabilitation.

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Published

2024-12-31

How to Cite

Effectiveness of Robotic-Assisted Gait Training in Enhancing Functional Mobility in Post-Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial. (2024). Link Medical Journal of Health and Community Research, 2(2), 1-4. https://linkmjhcr.com/index.php/lmj/article/view/25