Flexible exoskeleton-assisted training enhances lower limb motor function after stroke: a systematic review and...

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Flexible exoskeleton-assisted training (FEAT) is emerging in stroke rehabilitation for lower limb motor function improvement.
• This review evaluates FEAT's impact on balance, motor function, and gait in post-stroke patients versus conventional therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis on the effectiveness of FEAT in stroke rehabilitation.
• To compare FEAT outcomes with conventional therapy for balance, motor function, and gait parameters.

Main Methods:

• Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
• Data extracted on balance (Berg Balance Scale, BBS), motor function (10-Meter Walk Test, 10MWT; 6-Minute Walk Test, 6MWT; Functional Ambulation Category, FAC), and gait parameters.
• Included 6 studies with 213 patients.

Main Results:

• FEAT significantly improved BBS, 10MWT, and 6MWT scores, and other gait parameters; FAC scores showed no significant improvement.
• Hip-assisted FEAT enhanced step length, cadence, and gait symmetry.
• Ankle-assisted FEAT improved 10MWT and 6MWT performance.
• FEAT was most effective for step length, cadence, and symmetry in patients over three months post-stroke.

Conclusions:

• FEAT markedly improves balance, walking ability, and gait parameters in stroke rehabilitation compared to conventional therapy.
• FEAT integration into clinical programs can enhance therapy effectiveness and efficiency.
• Personalized FEAT selection based on patient impairment (e.g., hip assistance for asymmetry) is recommended for optimal outcomes.