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

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disorder affecting the central nervous system that significantly impairs postural control and functional abilities. Robotic-assisted gait training mitigates this functional deterioration. This preliminary study aims to investigate the effects of a four-week gait training with the ExoAtlet II exoskeleton on static balance control and functional mobility in five individuals with MS (Expanded Disability Status Scale ≤ 2.5). Before and after the training, they were assessed in quiet standing under Eyes Open (EO) and Eyes Closed (EC) conditions and with the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Center of Pressure (CoP) Sway Area, Antero-Posterior (AP) and Medio-Lateral (ML) CoP displacement, Stay Time, and Total Instability Duration were computed. TUG test Total Duration, sit-to-stand, stand-to-sit, and linear walking phase duration were analyzed. To establish target reference values for rehabilitation advancement, the same evaluations were performed on a matched healthy cohort. After the training, an improvement in static balance with EO was observed towards HS values (reduced Sway Area, AP and ML CoP displacement, and Total Instability Duration and increased Stay Time). Enhancements under EC condition were less marked. TUG test performance improved, particularly in the stand-to-sit phase. These preliminary findings suggest functional benefits of exoskeleton gait training for individuals with MS.