Technology-Assisted Ankle Rehabilitation Improves Balance and Gait Performance in Stroke Survivors: A Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Biomedical Engineering
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Stroke survivors often experience limited ankle range of motion (ROM) due to muscle imbalances.
• Traditional passive ankle stretching methods, like physical therapy or stretching boards, have accessibility and cost limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a newly developed robotic ankle stretching system (motorized ankle stretcher, MAS) compared to a stretching board for improving ankle ROM, balance, and gait in stroke survivors.
• To assess the retention of treatment effects over time.

Main Methods:

• Sixteen stroke survivors were randomly assigned to an intervention group (MAS) or a control group (stretching board).
• Both groups underwent seven sessions of passive dorsiflexion stretching over 3.5 weeks.
• Assessments included ankle ROM, Sensory Organization Test (SOT) for balance, walking speed, cadence, and step length, conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and one-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• The MAS group showed significant improvements in ankle ROM, SOT scores, walking speed, cadence, and step length (unaffected side).
• These improvements were maintained at the one-month retention assessment.
• The stretching board group showed minimal significant improvements, primarily in SOT scores between baseline and retention.

Conclusions:

• The motorized ankle stretcher (MAS) is an effective technology-assisted tool for improving ankle mobility, balance, and gait in stroke survivors.
• The MAS demonstrates potential for sustained rehabilitation benefits and long-term performance retention.
• Further research should optimize MAS parameters like intensity, frequency, and duration for personalized rehabilitation.