Authors (including presenting author) :
Chan, C N S (1), Wong, S Y R (1), Fung, K Y B (1) and Chan, K Y (2)
Affiliation :
(1)Physiotherapy Department, Kwong Wah Hospital
(2)Department of Neurosurgery, Kwong Wah Hospital
Introduction :
Gait dysfunction is a common adverse sequel in neurological patients. Manual and robotic-assisted body weight–supported treadmill training (BWSTT) is often used as a tool to compact this sequel. It based on optimizing sensory inputs relevant to step training, repeated practice, and possible optimization of neuroplasticity.
Objectives :
To evaluate the usage of robotic-assisted BWSTT (Lokomat®) in enhancing the walking ability of neurological patients.
Methodology :
A total of 17 participants with various neurological conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, parkinson’s disease, and spinal condition were included. The study period was from 2017 to 2019. The age of the participants aged from 23 to 84. Nine were male and eight were female. Patients received walking re-education sessions using robotic-assisted BWSTT. Outcome measure such as Time-up-and-go test (TUGT), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and 10-metre walk test were used to measure the functional and walking ability. Modified Functional Ambulation Classification (MFAC) was used to evaluate the mobility status of participants.
Result & Outcome :
Among participants, there was a significant change in MFAC after robotic training (P=0.003). The 6-minute walk test also showed significant difference (p=0.013). However, no significant differences in TUGT and 10-metre walk test (p>0.05) was observed.
Robotic-assisted BWSTT would be useful in improving the mobility status and improve walking tolerance of patients with various neurological conditions. A larger sample size would be useful for further evaluation.
