Exoskeletal-Assisted Training in Veterans With Chronic Stroke: A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Robotics in Healthcare
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Stroke survivors often experience mobility impairments affecting daily life.
• Standard of care (SOC) rehabilitation aims to improve function but may have limitations.
• Robotically powered exoskeletons offer potential for enhanced therapeutic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and feasibility of using a robotically powered exoskeleton (KExo) in outpatient stroke survivors.
• To explore the treatment effects and functional outcomes of KExo-augmented rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving 10 stroke survivors with mild-moderate mobility limitations.
• Participants received either SOC rehabilitation or SOC plus KExo (Keeogo Dermoskeleton) for 12 weeks.
• Safety assessed via adverse events (AEs); feasibility by retention, adherence, and satisfaction.

Main Results:

• The SOC+KExo intervention was safe and feasible, with a 63% retention rate and 100% adherence among completers.
• Participants reported satisfaction with KExo assistance, and trainers required minimal supervision.
• Exploratory outcomes showed significant pre-post improvements in the SOC+KExo group for 5 Times Sit-to-Stand, gait speed, and paretic step length.

Conclusions:

• Robotically powered exoskeleton use to augment outpatient stroke rehabilitation is safe, feasible, and well-tolerated.
• The observed improvements in functional outcomes suggest potential benefits warranting further investigation.
• A larger, randomized controlled trial is recommended to confirm the efficacy of KExo-augmented stroke rehabilitation.