Article

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of gait training using a single-leg version of
the Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) on the paretic side with conventional gait
training in individuals with subacute stroke. DESIGN: Randomized open controlled
pilot trial. SETTING:
Hospitalized care. PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sample of 44
patients who met the criteria;
12 patients refused. After randomization (N=32),
10 patients withdrew and a total of 22 poststroke participants (HAL group: n=11;
conventional group: n=11) completed the randomized controlled trial.
INTERVENTIONS: All participants received twelve 20-minute sessions in 4 weeks of
either HAL (wearing the single-leg version of the HAL on their paretic side) or
conventional (performed by skilled and experienced physical therapists) gait
training. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome measures were evaluated prior to
training and after 12 sessions. Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) was the
primary outcome measure, whereas secondary outcome measures included maximum
walking speed, timed Up and Go test, 6-minute walk distance, Short Physical
Performance Battery, Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Lower Extremity, and isometric
muscle strength (hip flexion and extension, knee flexion and extension). RESULTS:
No participants withdrew because of adverse effects. Participants who received
gait training with the HAL showed significantly more improvement in the FAC than
those who received conventional gait training (95% confidence interval, .02-.88;
P=.04). Secondary measures did not differ between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: The
results obtained in this randomized controlled trial suggest that a gait training
program with the HAL could improve independent walking more efficiently than
conventional gait training.
CI - Copyright (c) 2014 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS