title: Can robot-assisted movement training (Lokomat) improve functional recovery and psychological well-being in chronic stroke? Promising findings from a case study.
abstract: The Lokomat is a robotic device that has been widely used for gait rehabilitation in several neurological disorders, with a positive effect also in the chronic phase. We describe the case of a 54-yearold female with post-stroke moderate-to-severe chronic hemiplegia, whose force, gait and balance significantly improved after intensive training with Lokomat Pro. We also noted a positive impact of Lokomat on mood and coping styles. This may be partly related to the task-oriented exercises with computerized visual feedback, which in turn can be considered an important tool for increasing patients' motor output, involvement and motivation during gait training. Augmented feedback during robot-assisted gait appears to be a promising way of facilitating gait and physical function, but also of improving psychological and cognitive status.
authors.forename: Rocco Salvatore
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Calabrò
authors.forename: Simone
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Reitano
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Leo
authors.forename: Rosaria
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: De Luca
authors.forename: Corrado
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Melegari
authors.forename: Placido
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bramanti
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012371:Robotics; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome