title: Does robot-assisted gait training ameliorate gait abnormalities in multiple sclerosis? A pilot randomized-control trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Gait disorders are common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and lead to a progressive reduction of function and quality of life.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Test the effects of robot-assisted gait rehabilitation in MS subjects through a pilot randomized-controlled study.
  
  
  METHODS
  We enrolled MS subjects with Expanded Disability Status Scale scores within 4.5-6.5. The experimental group received 12 robot-assisted gait training sessions over 6 weeks. The control group received the same amount of conventional physiotherapy. Outcomes measures were both biomechanical assessment of gait, including kinematics and spatio-temporal parameters, and clinical test of walking endurance (six-minute walk test) and mobility (Up and Go Test).
  
  
  RESULTS
  16 subjects (n = 8 experimental group, n = 8 control group) were included in the final analysis. At baseline the two groups were similar in all variables, except for step length. Data showed walking endurance, as well as spatio-temporal gait parameters improvements after robot-assisted gait training. Pelvic antiversion and reduced hip extension during terminal stance ameliorated after aforementioned intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Robot-assisted gait training seems to be effective in increasing walking competency in MS subjects. Moreover, it could be helpful in restoring the kinematic of the hip and pelvis.
authors.affiliation: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Ferrara University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy Doctoral Program in Advanced Sciences in Rehabilitation Medicine and Sport, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Straudi
authors.affiliation: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Benedetti
authors.affiliation: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Ferrara University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Venturini
authors.affiliation: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Ferrara University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Manca
authors.affiliation: Doctoral Program in Advanced Sciences in Rehabilitation Medicine and Sport, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Foti
authors.affiliation: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Ferrara University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Basaglia
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005080:Exercise Test; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000209:etiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012371:Robotics; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking
keywords: Rehabilitation; gait analysis; multiple sclerosis; robot-driven gait orthosis