Robot-Assisted Gait Training to Improve Gait Patterns in Two Adolescents with Childhood-Onset Stroke: A Case Report

Although the effectiveness of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) in stroke has been reported, evidence in adolescents with childhood-onset stroke remains limited. This study reports the safety and clinical efficacy of RAGT using a robotized knee-ankle-foot orthosis in two adolescents with different gait patterns.

Case 1 (female, 15 years; Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Lower Extremity (FMA L/E) score 24) had moderate motor paralysis and walked with a short leg brace and cane, showing an extension-thrust pattern. Case 2 (male, 18 years; FMA L/E 26) used a short leg brace and demonstrated a stiff-knee gait. Both underwent 10 sessions of RAGT over 3 weeks. Comfortable and maximum gait speeds (10-m walking test), gait endurance (6-min walking test), gait symmetry (swing time ratio and normalized cross-correlation of knee joint angles), and safety were assessed pre- and post-intervention.

Both participants completed RAGT safely. Comfortable gait speed improved from 0.78 to 0.99 m/s in case 1 and from 0.98 to 1.36 m/s in case 2. Improvements were observed in gait symmetry and kinematics, with partial correction of abnormal gait.

RAGT can be safely applied in adolescents with childhood-onset stroke and may contribute to improved gait performance and gait pattern.