title: Preliminary trial of postural strategy training using a personal transport assistance robot for patients with central nervous system disorder.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the efficacy of postural strategy training using a personal transport assistance robot (PTAR) for patients with central nervous system disorders.
  
  
  METHODS
  Single-group intervention trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Rehabilitation center at a university hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  Outpatients (N=8; 5 men, 3 women; mean age, 50±13y) with a gait disturbance (mean time after onset, 34±29mo) as a result of central nervous system disorders were selected from a volunteer sample.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two methods of balance exercise using a PTAR were devised: exercise against perturbation and exercise moving the center of gravity. The exercises were performed twice a week for 4 weeks.
  
  
  METHODS
  Preferred and tandem gait speeds, Functional Reach Test, functional base of support, center of pressure (COP), muscle strength of lower extremities, and grip strength were assessed before and after the completion of the exercise program. After the exercise program, enjoyment of exercise was investigated via a visual analog scale questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After the program, statistically significant improvements were noted for tandem gait speeds (P=.009), Functional Reach Test (P=.003), functional base of support (P=.014), and lower extremity muscle strength (P<.001-.042). On the other hand, preferred gait speeds (P=.151), COP (P=.446-.714), and grip power (P=.584) did not change. Finally, subjects rated that this exercise was more enjoyable than traditional balance exercises.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Dynamic balance and lower extremity muscle strength were significantly improved in response to postural strategy training with the PTAR. These results suggest that postural strategy training with the PTAR may contribute to fall prevention of patients with a balance disorder.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine 1, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan. ozk-kety@kyf.biglobe.ne.jp
authors.forename: Kenichi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ozaki
authors.forename: Hitoshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kagaya
authors.forename: Satoshi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hirano
authors.forename: Izumi
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kondo
authors.forename: Shigeo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tanabe
authors.forename: Norihide
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Itoh
authors.forename: Eiichi
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Saitoh
authors.forename: Toshio
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Fuwa
authors.forename: Ryo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Murakami
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012371:Robotics; D012656:Self-Help Devices; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D018910:Video Games