899
Views
26
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Article

Gait training of subacute stroke patients using a hybrid assistive limb: a pilot study

, , , , , , , , , , , & show all
Pages 197-204 | Received 27 Apr 2015, Accepted 04 Dec 2015, Published online: 26 Mar 2016
 

Abstract

Purpose To determine whether gait training with a hybrid assistive limb (HAL) as an exoskeleton robotic device was safe and could increase functional mobility and gait ability in subacute stroke patients. Methods The participants were eight patients with post-stroke hemiparesis whose walking impairment and gait recovery curves had plateaued. The intervention program was gait training using HAL and a walker for 20 min daily 5 days a week for 5 weeks. The 10-m maximum walking speed (MWS), self-selected walking speed (SWS) and 2-min-walk test (2MT) without HAL were used as primary outcome measures to determine the effects of training. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery after Stroke (FMA) and functional ambulation category (FAC) were assessed as secondary outcomes. These measures were assessed before and after the 5-week intervention program and were analyzed statistically using a paired t-test. Results All eight participants completed the intervention program with no adverse events. There were significant increases in MWS, SWS and 2MT. BBS, FMA and FAC also increased, but not significantly. Conclusion The new HAL exoskeleton robotic device was efficient and safe for improving motor function and gait in patients in the subacute stage after stroke.

    Implications for Rehabilitation

  • Gait training using HAL will improve gait ability of individuals with post stroke.

  • The HAL achieve intensive gait training without increase spasticity and abnormal gait pattern.

Declaration of interest

MM, KY, AS, KK, YA, KI, HN, HT, KN, AM and AM have no conflicts of interest to declare. HK is a founder, shareholder, and an external director of CYBERDYNE Inc. which produces the HAL. YS is a founder, shareholder, and the CEO of CYBERDYNE Inc. This work was supported by Grant-in-Aid for Project Research (1247) from Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences. We are thankful to party of IPU for their support.

Log in via your institution

Log in to Taylor & Francis Online

PDF download + Online access

  • 48 hours access to article PDF & online version
  • Article PDF can be downloaded
  • Article PDF can be printed
USD 65.00 Add to cart

Issue Purchase

  • 30 days online access to complete issue
  • Article PDFs can be downloaded
  • Article PDFs can be printed
USD 340.00 Add to cart

* Local tax will be added as applicable

Related Research

People also read lists articles that other readers of this article have read.

Recommended articles lists articles that we recommend and is powered by our AI driven recommendation engine.

Cited by lists all citing articles based on Crossref citations.
Articles with the Crossref icon will open in a new tab.