Article

Robotique
Body weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) assisted with a robotic-driven
gait orthosis is utilized in rehabilitation of individuals with lost motor
skills. A typical rehabilitation session included: sitting, standing, suspension,
robotic-assisted walking at 1.5 and 2.5km/h, respectively with 50% body weight
support and recovery.
While the effects of robotic-assisted BWSTT on motor
performances were deeply studied, the influences on the cardiovascular control
are still unknown. The aim of the study was to evaluate in stroke (ST) and
cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) patients: (1) the autonomic response during
a traditional robotic-assisted BWSTT session of motor rehabilitation; (2) the
effects of 30 daily sessions of BWSTT on cardiovascular regulation. The autonomic
response was assessed through symbolic analysis of short-term heart rate
variability in 11 pathologic subjects (5 ST and 6 CSM patients) whose motor
skills were improved as a result of the rehabilitation therapy. Results showed
variable individual responses to the rehabilitation session in ST patients at the
beginning of the therapy. At the end of the rehabilitation process, the responses
of ST patients were less variable and more similar to those previously observed
in healthy subjects. CSM patients exhibited an exaggerated vagal response to the
fastest walking phase during the first rehabilitative session.
This abnormal
response was limited after the last rehabilitative session. We conclude that
robotic-assisted BWSTT is helpful in restoring cardiovascular control in
rehabilitation-responsive ST patients and limiting vagal responses in
rehabilitation-responsive CSM patients.
CI - Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS