Robot-assisted gait training improves the pelvis control and walking function of hemiplegic stroke survivors

Objective To explore the effect of robot-assisted gait training on pelvis kinematics and the walking function of hemiplegic stroke survivors. Methods Thirty stroke survivors with hemiplegia were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, each of 15. Both groups were given routine clinical medication and rehabilitation training, while the treatment group was additionally provided with 20 minutes of robot-assisted gait training a day, 6 d/wk for 8 weeks. Before and after the treatment, all of the patients′ pelvis kinematics were assessed using 10 m walking speed (MWS), the timed up and go test (TUGT) and functional ambulation categorization (FAC). Results Before the treatment there were no significant differences between the two group in any of the measurements. After the treatment, significant improvement was observed in both groups in the vertical displacement and rotation and tilt angles of the pelvis while walking, with significantly more improvement in the treatment group than in the control group. There was also significant improvement in the average walking speed, TUGT time and FAC score of both groups, with significantly more improvement in the treatment group. Conclusion Robot-assisted gait training can significantly improve the pelvis control and walking ability of hemiplegic stroke survivors. Key words: Robotics; Stroke; Pelvis kinematics; Walking