title: Robot-assisted gait training in multiple sclerosis patients: a randomized trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Preservation of locomotor activity in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is of utmost importance. Robotic-assisted body weight-supported treadmill training is a promising method to improve gait functions in neurologically impaired patients, although its effectiveness in MS patients is still unknown.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare the effectiveness of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) with that of conventional walking treatment (CWT) on gait and generalized functions in a group of stable MS patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective randomized controlled trial of 12 sessions of RAGT or CWT in MS patients of EDSS score 5-7. Primary outcome measures were gait parameters and the secondary outcomes were functional and quality of life parameters. All tests were performed at baseline, 3 and 6 months post-treatment by a blinded rater.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifteen and 17 patients were randomly allocated to RAGT and CWT, respectively. Both groups were comparable at baseline in all parameters. As compared with baseline, although some gait parameters improved significantly following the treatment at each time point there was no difference between the groups. Both FIM and EDSS scores improved significantly post-treatment with no difference between the groups. At 6 months, most gait and functional parameters had returned to baseline.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Robot-assisted gait training is feasible and safe and may be an effective additional therapeutic option in MS patients with severe walking disabilities.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Haddasah-Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.
authors.forename: Isabella
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Schwartz
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sajin
authors.forename: Elior
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Moreh
authors.forename: Iris
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Fisher
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Neeb
authors.forename: Adina
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Forest
authors.forename: Adi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vaknin-Dembinsky
authors.forename: Dimitrios
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Karusis
authors.forename: Zeev
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Meiner
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D020528:Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D020529:Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D004856:Postural Balance; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012371:Robotics; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking; D016474:Weight-Bearing