[Robotic mechanotherapy in patients with multiple sclerosis with impaired walking function]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) often leads to impaired walking and motor deficits.
• Current rehabilitation strategies aim to improve functional independence in MS patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of robotic mechanotherapy with the ExoAtlet exoskeleton for improving walking function in MS patients.
• To assess the impact of robotic assistance on neurological deficits and cognitive functions in MS.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 44 MS patients with impaired walking, assessed using the Extended Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC).
• The MSFC included Timed 25-Footwalk, 9-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT), and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT).
• Cognitive functions were evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in EDSS scores, walking tests (Timed 25-Footwalk), and upper limb function (9-HPT).
• Robotic therapy enhanced cognitive functions, as indicated by improvements in SDMT and MoCA scores.
• Subgroup analysis showed sustained benefits after multiple rehabilitation courses.

Conclusions:

• Robotic mechanotherapy with the ExoAtlet exoskeleton is effective in improving motor and cognitive functions in MS patients.
• The ExoAtlet exoskeleton demonstrates potential for restoring walking function and supporting posture in MS.
• Further research is warranted to explore the full capabilities of robotic assistance in MS rehabilitation.