title: The effects of robot-assisted gait training in progressive multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Gait and mobility impairments are common in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), leading to reduced quality of life (QoL).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  In this randomized controlled study, we tested the effects of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) and compared it to conventional physiotherapy, measuring walking ability, depression, fatigue, and QoL in patients with progressive MS and severe gait disability.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-two participants (Expanded Disability Status Scale score 6-7) completed the study protocol. They received two sessions/week over 6 weeks of RAGT or conventional walking therapy. Outcome measures were Six-Minute Walk Test, Ten-Meter Walk Test, Timed Up and Go Test, Berg Balance Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire, and Short Form 36. They were performed pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at 3 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Walking endurance (p < 0.01) and balance (p < 0.01) were improved among those in the RAGT group. Positive effects on depression in both treatment groups were highlighted. However, only among those in the RAGT group was perceived physical functioning QoL increased. No significant effects on fatigue were found.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  RAGT is a treatment option in progressive MS patients with severe gait impairments to induce short-lasting effects on mobility and QoL.
authors.affiliation: Neuroscience and Rehabilitation Department, Ferrara University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy s.straudi@ospfe.it.
authors.forename: Sofia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Straudi
authors.affiliation: Unit of Neurorehabilitation, Department of Neuroscience, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy.
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fanciullacci
authors.affiliation: Neuroscience and Rehabilitation Department, Ferrara University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy.
authors.forename: Carlotta
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Martinuzzi
authors.affiliation: Neuroscience and Rehabilitation Department, Ferrara University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy.
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pavarelli
authors.affiliation: Unit of Neurorehabilitation, Department of Neuroscience, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy.
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Rossi
authors.affiliation: Unit of Neurorehabilitation, Department of Neuroscience, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy.
authors.forename: Carmelo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chisari
authors.affiliation: Neuroscience and Rehabilitation Department, Ferrara University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy.
authors.forename: Nino
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Basaglia
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D000067190:Exoskeleton Device; D005260:Female; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020528:Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012371:Robotics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D016037:Single-Blind Method
keywords: QoL; Robot-assisted gait training; gait; multiple sclerosis; rehabilitation