Treadmill-Based Locomotor Training With Robotic Pelvic Assist and Visual Feedback: A Feasibility Study

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Biomechanics
• Robotics in Physical Therapy

Background:

• Gait asymmetries are persistent challenges post-stroke, often inadequately addressed by conventional therapy.
• Robotic training offers increased practice frequency but faces challenges in skill transfer.
• The tethered pelvic assist device (TPAD) facilitates weight shifting while allowing independent gait navigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a combined 5-day intervention.
• To assess the impact of TPAD training with visual feedback and overground practice on gait symmetry post-stroke.
• To promote improved force and stance symmetry in individuals with chronic stroke.

Main Methods:

• 11 participants with chronic stroke underwent a 5-day intervention (1 hour/day).
• Training involved visual feedback during TPAD treadmill use followed by overground gait training.
• Feasibility was assessed via safety, perceived exertion, and adherence; gait symmetry was measured pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The intervention was feasible, with high adherence (96.4%) and low perceived exertion.
• No significant reduction in load asymmetry was observed on the treadmill.
• Overground stance symmetry significantly improved post-intervention but was not sustained at follow-up.

Conclusions:

• The combined TPAD and overground training approach is feasible for improving overground stance symmetry post-stroke.
• Further research should explore increased training intensity or duration to achieve lasting gait symmetry improvements.
• The findings highlight the potential of task-specific robotic-assisted training in neurorehabilitation.