Study on Efficacy of Gait Training for Hemiplegia Patients Using Lower-Limb Wearable Robot

Abstract

Conventional gait rehabilitation requires at least three therapists in a traditional rehabilitation training program. Several robots have been developed to reduce human burden and increase rehabilitation efficacy. In this study, we present a lower-limb wearable robot (WA-H) for gait rehabilitation of hemiplegia patients, and propose a protocol of 12 weeks gait rehabilitation training program using WA-H. To identify the efficacy of the robot and protocols, we conducted a clinical study with two actual hemiplegia patients and observed a chronological change of ambulation ability through four assessments. We discovered the progression of results by 6 minute walking test, TUGT (Timed Up and Go Test), SPPB (Short Physical Performance Battery), BBS (Berg Balance Test), and Fugl-Meyer score. The torques generated in the normal side and paralyzed side of the patient became similar, indicating rehabilitation. The result also showed the walking of the paralysis patient improved and imbalance motion had considerable improved performance.

Feasibility of Rehabilitation Training With a Newly Developed, Portable, Gait Assistive Robot for Balance Function in Hemiplegic Patients

“…1 ). Two FSR sensors in the insole measured heel strike, heel off, and toe off in the sound leg, detecting contact between heel and toe to the ground [ 9 ]. The IMU sensor in the pelvic area detected the patient's movement and converted signals into movements of roll and pitch axis through the Kalman filter.…”

“…During the next 20 minutes, treadmill speed was increased to 2.0 km/h, and for the last 5 minutes, treadmill speed was decreased to 1.5 km/h. From the 7th to 12th week of training, the maximum speed was regulated up to 2.5 km/h [ 9 ]. Evaluations were conducted before the training began, and conducted in the 6th week, and in the 12th week to test and compare the improvement of lower limb balance after using the gait assistive robot.…”

“…This study aims to investigate the clinical feasibility of the portable, wearable gait assistive robot, WA-H, on the balance function of patients with stroke-induced hemiplegia. This is a second study following up on a pilot study conducted in 2013 with 2 stroke patients to confirm the device stability [ 9 ]. Accordingly, this study is designed to confirm further the efficacy of the device with a greater number of patients.…”

Sports Injury and Rehabilitation of Lower Limb Soft Tissue

“…Therefore, in the actual treatment, the specific injury, social and economic benefits and existing technical conditions of each patient should be taken into consideration, rather than relying solely on a scoring system. 3…”