The Effect of Wearable Robot-Assisted Gait Training on Balance and Walking Ability in Subacute Stroke Patients.

Objective: This study investigated the effectiveness of wearable robot-assisted gait training (W-RAGT) compared to treadmill gait training (TGT) for improving balance and walking ability in stroke patients.

Methods: Sixty stroke patients (67.13 ± 11.36 years; 37 males and 23 females) undergoing physical therapy were recruited from C Hospital in Seoul, Korea. Patients were randomly assigned to either the W-RAGT group (n = 30) or the TGT group (n = 30). Both groups received 30-minute training sessions three times a week for eight weeks. Balance ability was assessed using the L-symmetry, and BBS and motor recovery by FMA-LE. Cadence, step length, and stride length were measured to evaluate walking ability. Follow-up assessments were conducted at 16 weeks.

Results: After 8 weeks of treatment, the W-RAGT group demonstrated significant functional improvements in motor ability and balance (FMA-LE, p < 0.001; L-symmetry, p = 0.049; BBS, p < 0.001) and walking ability (cadence, p = 0.017; step length, p = 0.038; stride length, p = 0.042). At the 16 weeks follow-up, the W-RAGT group maintained significant gains in motor ability and balance (FMA-LE, p < 0.001; L-symmetry, p = 0.025; BBS, p = 0.011) and walking ability (cadence, p < 0.001; step length, p = 0.025; stride length, p = 0.001).

Conclusions: The overground wearable robotic device used in this study, W-RAGT was found to be more effective than TGT in improving motor ability and balance, and walking ability in stroke patients.