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Robot-Assisted Gait Training in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial
Cristiano Sconza1,2, Francesco Negrini3, Berardo Di Matteo2,4
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20090 Pieve Emanuele, Italy.
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)
|August 6, 2021
Summary
Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) combined with physiotherapy significantly improves walking ability and motor function in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients compared to conventional training alone.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Gait disorders are a major cause of disability and reduced quality of life in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Improving walking ability is a key objective in MS rehabilitation.
- Conventional gait training may not fully address the complexities of MS-related gait impairments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) combined with physiotherapy for MS patients.
- To compare RAGT plus physiotherapy against conventional gait training alone.
- To assess improvements in gait parameters, motor function, and daily living activities.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled crossover trial involving 27 MS patients (EDSS 3.5-7), with 17 completing the study.
- Participants underwent five weeks of conventional gait training, with or without RAGT.
- Evaluations included the 25-foot walk test (25FW), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and various motor and functional assessments.
Main Results:
- Both RAGT and conventional training improved gait parameters and motor abilities.
- The RAGT group showed significantly greater improvements in the 25FW (p=0.004) and 6MWT (p=0.022) compared to the control group.
- Robot-assisted gait training demonstrated superior effectiveness in enhancing gait speed and endurance.
Conclusions:
- Robot-assisted gait training is a viable therapeutic option for managing gait disorders in multiple sclerosis.
- Combining RAGT with physiotherapy offers enhanced benefits over conventional gait training for MS patients.
- RAGT shows particular promise in improving gait speed and resistance in individuals with MS.
