Comparative Effects of Different Assistance Force During Robot-Assisted Gait Training on Locomotor Functions in Patients With Subacute Stroke: An Assessor-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective The aim of the study was to compare the effects of progressive reducing assistance force versus full assistance force controlled robot-assisted gait training combined with conventional physiotherapy on locomotor functions in patients with subacute stroke. Design Inpatients with subacute stroke (N = 29; 16 men; Functional Ambulation Category score = 1 ± 0.9) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a progressive reducing assistance force group (n = 15) or a full assistance force group (n = 14). The progressive reducing assistance force group performed robot-assisted gait training sessions from 100% assistance force at the outset to 60% assistance force at the end of the robot-assisted gait training, whereas the full assistance force group received 100% assistance force throughout the robot-assisted gait training sessions. Both groups performed robot-assisted gait training combined with conventional physiotherapy 5 days a week for 4 wks. After intervention, all patients then underwent only conventional physiotherapy 5 days a week for 4 wks of follow-up. Results The Mann–Whitney U test between-group comparisons showed that improvements were significantly greater in the progressive reducing assistance force group for the Functional Ambulation Category, knee extensors torque, and Berg Balance Scale relative to the full assistance force group, both at postintervention and at follow-up. Conclusions Progressive reducing assistance force control during robot-assisted gait training combined with conventional physiotherapy may be more beneficial for improving locomotor functions in patients with subacute stroke.

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