Four-Week Exoskeleton Gait Training on Balance and Mobility in Minimally Impaired Individuals with Multiple...

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Robotics in Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition impacting balance and mobility.
• Robotic-assisted gait training offers a potential intervention to counteract functional decline in MS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a four-week exoskeleton gait training program on static balance and functional mobility in individuals with MS.
• To compare post-training outcomes with a healthy cohort to establish rehabilitation benchmarks.

Main Methods:

• Five individuals with MS (EDSS ≤ 2.5) underwent gait training using the ExoAtlet II exoskeleton.
• Assessments included quiet standing (Eyes Open/Closed) measuring Center of Pressure (CoP) parameters and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test.
• Data were collected pre- and post-intervention and compared to a matched healthy cohort.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in static balance under Eyes Open conditions were observed, with reduced CoP sway and increased stability, approaching healthy subject values.
• Functional mobility, particularly the stand-to-sit phase of the TUG test, showed notable improvement.
• Balance improvements under Eyes Closed conditions were less pronounced.

Conclusions:

• Exoskeleton-assisted gait training demonstrates functional benefits for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis.
• This preliminary study highlights the potential of robotic interventions to enhance balance and mobility in MS rehabilitation.
• Further research is warranted to optimize exoskeleton training protocols for MS patients.