title: Robotic-assisted gait training in Parkinson's disease: a three-month follow-up randomized clinical trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT), together with a conventional exercise program (CEP), to improve PD ambulation, as compared to standard gait training.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-eight patients with mild PD stage (H&Y 2-2.5) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG) or a control group. The 19 patients in EG received 30 min RAGT (using Lokomat device), whereas the 19 controls received a conventional gait training; both groups received 30 min of CEP. Participants were evaluated before (T0), immediately after (T1), and 12 weeks after the end of treatment (T2), by using 10-MWT, Tinetti Test and the motor score of the UPDRS-III.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found that Tinetti Walking (TW) (X2(3) = 31.75; p < 0.001), Tinetti Balance (X2(3) = 74.07; p < 0.001), UPDRS-III (X2(3) = 6.87; p < 0.001) and GDS (X2(3) = 28.83; p < 0.001) scores were affected by the type of the rehabilitative treatment. At T2, we found a significant difference between the two groups for TW (t = 2.62; p < 0.02, d = 0.85). Concerning all the study outcomes, a significant improvement was observed from T0 to T1 in both groups. However, the functional motor gain at T2 was maintained only in the EG.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  RAGT may significantly improve walking ability, motor function and for a maximum period of three months. Thus, our findings support the importance of a RAGT as a valid rehabilitative tool for PD.
authors.affiliation: a Neurorehabilitation Unit , HABILITA Care & Research Rehabilitation Hospitals , Zingonia di Ciserano (Bergamo) , Zingonia , Italy.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Furnari
authors.affiliation: b IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo" , Messina , Italy.
authors.forename: Rocco Salvatore
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Calabrò
authors.affiliation: b IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo" , Messina , Italy.
authors.forename: Maria Cristina
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: De Cola
authors.affiliation: a Neurorehabilitation Unit , HABILITA Care & Research Rehabilitation Hospitals , Zingonia di Ciserano (Bergamo) , Zingonia , Italy.
authors.forename: Michelangelo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bartolo
authors.affiliation: a Neurorehabilitation Unit , HABILITA Care & Research Rehabilitation Hospitals , Zingonia di Ciserano (Bergamo) , Zingonia , Italy.
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Castelli
authors.affiliation: a Neurorehabilitation Unit , HABILITA Care & Research Rehabilitation Hospitals , Zingonia di Ciserano (Bergamo) , Zingonia , Italy.
authors.forename: Alessia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mapelli
authors.affiliation: a Neurorehabilitation Unit , HABILITA Care & Research Rehabilitation Hospitals , Zingonia di Ciserano (Bergamo) , Zingonia , Italy.
authors.forename: Giampiero
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Buttacchio
authors.affiliation: a Neurorehabilitation Unit , HABILITA Care & Research Rehabilitation Hospitals , Zingonia di Ciserano (Bergamo) , Zingonia , Italy.
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Farini
authors.affiliation: a Neurorehabilitation Unit , HABILITA Care & Research Rehabilitation Hospitals , Zingonia di Ciserano (Bergamo) , Zingonia , Italy.
authors.forename: Placido
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bramanti
authors.affiliation: a Neurorehabilitation Unit , HABILITA Care & Research Rehabilitation Hospitals , Zingonia di Ciserano (Bergamo) , Zingonia , Italy.
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Casale
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000066530:Neurological Rehabilitation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012371:Robotics; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods
keywords: Neurodegenerative brain disorder; device-based therapy; gait disorders; lower extremity rehabilitation