title: Gait training in subacute non-ambulatory stroke patients using a full weight-bearing gait-assistance robot: A prospective, randomized, open, blinded-endpoint trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study was a prospective, randomized, open, blinded-endpoint trial with the aim of examining whether gait training with a gait-assistance robot (GAR) improves gait disturbances in subacute non-ambulatory hemiplegic stroke patients more than overground conventional gait training. The GAR adopts a robot arm control system with full weight bearing and foot pressure visual biofeedback.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-six hemiplegic patients were randomly assigned to either the GAR-assisted gait training (GAGT) group or the overground conventional gait training (OCGT) group. Both groups underwent 60 min of standard physical therapy and 20 min of GAGT or OCGT 5 days a week for 4 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC). The secondary outcome measures were the peak torque of the extensor muscles in the lower extremities and a 10-m walking test. The lower extremity function was evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, and activities of daily living were assessed using the Functional Independence Measure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The GAGT group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in FAC and peak torque on the unaffected side (p=0.02) than the OCGT group. Additionally, gait speed tended to be faster (p=0.07) in the GAGT group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  GAGT combined with standard physical therapy in subacute non-ambulatory hemiplegic patients led to significant improvements in gait and peak torque on the unaffected side compared to OCGT.
authors.affiliation: University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, 8078555 Kitakyushu, Japan. Electronic address: wochi@med.uoeh-u.ac.jp.
authors.forename: Mitsuhiro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ochi
authors.affiliation: University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, 8078555 Kitakyushu, Japan. Electronic address: f-wada@med.uoeh-u.ac.jp.
authors.forename: Futoshi
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Wada
authors.affiliation: University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, 8078555 Kitakyushu, Japan. Electronic address: sae@med.uoeh-u.ac.jp.
authors.forename: Satoru
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Saeki
authors.affiliation: University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, 8078555 Kitakyushu, Japan. Electronic address: kenhachi@med.uoeh-u.ac.jp.
authors.forename: Kenji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hachisuka
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008124:Locomotion; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012371:Robotics; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016474:Weight-Bearing
keywords: Gait; Muscle strength; Physical therapy; Robot-assisted training; Stroke; Subacute