Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of rehabilitation training with a new
wearable robot. DESIGN: Before-after clinical intervention. SETTING: University
hospital and private rehabilitation facilities. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience
sample of patients (N=38) with limited mobility. The underlying diseases were
stroke (n=12), spinal cord injuries (n=8), musculoskeletal diseases (n=4), and
other diseases (n=14). INTERVENTIONS: The patients received 90-minute training
with a wearable robot twice per week for 8 weeks (16 sessions). MAIN OUTCOME
MEASURES: Functional ambulation was assessed with the 10-m walk test (10MWT) and
the Timed Up & Go (TUG) test, and balance ability was assessed with the Berg
Balance Scale (BBS). Both assessments were performed at baseline and after
rehabilitation. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients completed 16 sessions of training
with the wearable robot. The results of the 10MWT included significant
improvements in gait speed, number of steps, and cadence. Although improvements
were observed, as measured with the TUG test and BBS, the results were not
statistically significant. No serious adverse events were observed during the
training. CONCLUSIONS: Eight weeks of rehabilitative training with the wearable
robot (16 sessions of 90min) could be performed safely and effectively, even many
years after the subjects received their diagnosis.
CI - Copyright (c) 2013 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS