Implementing Robotic-Assisted Gait Training in Acute Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation: A Quality Improvement...

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Robotics in Medicine
• Stroke Recovery

Background:

• Independent walking is a primary goal in stroke rehabilitation.
• Current inpatient rehabilitation provides insufficient walking practice for optimal motor recovery.
• A quality improvement initiative introduced robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) to increase training intensity.

Purpose of the Study:

• Assess the feasibility of RAGT for limited-ambulatory stroke patients.
• Evaluate the preliminary efficacy of RAGT compared to conventional therapy.
• Analyze Functional Index Measure (FIM) motor gain and daily step counts.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of RAGT intervention over 6 months.
• Comparison of patients receiving RAGT versus conventional therapy.
• Analysis of FIM motor gain and accelerometer-based step counts.

Main Results:

• Approximately 30% of eligible patients received consistent RAGT without safety issues.
• RAGT group showed significantly greater mean FIM motor gain (32.30 vs. 17.88) at discharge (P < 0.005).
• RAGT patients had higher step counts during physical therapy (PT) sessions (P < 0.005).

Conclusions:

• RAGT is feasible and enhances walking practice and FIM motor scores in acute inpatient stroke rehabilitation.
• Improved RAGT frequency and patient participation are necessary.
• Strategies to increase RAGT adoption were identified.