title: Robot-assisted walking training for individuals with Parkinson's disease: a pilot randomized controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Over the last years, the introduction of robotic technologies into Parkinson's disease rehabilitation settings has progressed from concept to reality. However, the benefit of robotic training remains elusive. This pilot randomized controlled observer trial is aimed at investigating the feasibility, the effectiveness and the efficacy of new end-effector robot training in people with mild Parkinson's disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  Design. Pilot randomized controlled trial.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Robot training was feasible, acceptable, safe, and the participants completed 100% of the prescribed training sessions. A statistically significant improvement in gait index was found in favour of the EG (T0 versus T1). In particular, the statistical analysis of primary outcome (gait speed) using the Friedman test showed statistically significant improvements for the EG (p = 0,0195). The statistical analysis performed by Friedman test of Step length left (p = 0,0195) and right (p = 0,0195) and Stride length left (p = 0,0078) and right (p = 0,0195) showed a significant statistical gain. No statistically significant improvements on the CG were found.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Robot training is a feasible and safe form of rehabilitative exercise for cognitively intact people with mild PD. This original approach can contribute to increase a short time lower limb motor recovery in idiopathic PD patients. The focus on the gait recovery is a further characteristic that makes this research relevant to clinical practice. On the whole, the simplicity of treatment, the lack of side effects, and the positive results from patients support the recommendation to extend the use of this treatment. Further investigation regarding the long-time effectiveness of robot training is warranted.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01668407.
authors.forename: Patrizio
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sale
authors.forename: Maria Francesca
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: De Pandis
authors.forename: Domenica
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Le Pera
authors.forename: Ivan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Sova
authors.forename: Veronica
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Cimolin
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ancillao
authors.forename: Giorgio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Albertini
authors.forename: Manuela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Galli
authors.forename: Fabrizio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Stocchi
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Franceschini
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012371:Robotics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*