title: A novel cable-driven robotic training improves locomotor function in individuals post-stroke.
abstract: A novel cable-driven robotic gait training system has been tested to improve the locomotor function in individuals post stroke. Seven subjects with chronic stroke were recruited to participate in this 6 weeks robot-assisted treadmill training paradigm. A controlled assistance force was applied to the paretic leg at the ankle through a cable-driven robotic system. The force was applied from late stance to mid-swing during treadmill training. Body weight support was provided as necessary to prevent knee buckling or toe drag. Subjects were trained 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Overground gait speed, 6 minute walking distance, and balance were evaluated at pre, post 6 weeks robotic training, and at 8 weeks follow up. Significant improvements in gait speed and 6 minute walking distance were obtained following robotic treadmill training through a cable-driven robotic system. Results from this study indicate that it is feasible to improve the locomotor function in individuals post stroke through a flexible cable-driven robot.
authors.affiliation: Sensor Motor Performance Program, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. w-ming@northwestern.edu
authors.forename: Ming
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Jill M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Landry
authors.forename: Sheng-Che
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Yen
authors.forename: Brian D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Schmit
authors.forename: T George
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Hornby
authors.forename: Miriam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rafferty
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology*; D012371:Robotics / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation