Training in a wearable exoskeleton improves the lower limb motor recovery of stroke survivors
10.3760/cma.j.issn.0254-1424.2023.02.003
- VernacularTitle:单侧穿戴式外骨骼机器人训练对亚急性期脑卒中患者平衡和步行功能的影响
- Author:
Yangan LI
1
;
Zejian CHEN
;
Nan XIA
;
Minghui GU
;
Jiang XU
;
Xiaoyu XIE
;
Xiaolin HUANG
Author Information
1. 华中科技大学同济医学院附属同济医院康复医学科，武汉 430030
- Keywords:
Exoskeleton robots;
Stroke;
Lower-limb motor ability;
Rehabilitation
- From:
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
2023;45(2):109-113
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To explore any differential effect of training wearing a unilateral exoskeleton on the lower-limb motor function of stroke survivors.Methods:Forty stroke survivors were randomly divided into an exoskeleton group ( n=20) and a control group ( n=20). The control group performed conventional lower extremity exercise training while the exoskeleton group received exoskeleton-assisted lower-limb physical therapy. Each participant received eighteen 40-minute training sessions over three weeks. Before and after the intervention, the walking ability, lower-limb function, balance and ability in the activities of daily living of both groups were evaluated. Integrated electromyography (iEMG) of the rectus femoris and tibialis anterior of both legs was also recorded during sit-to-stand transitions to assess the activation of the affected muscles and the symmetry of bilateral muscle activation. Results:After the three weeks, significant improvement was observed in all of the measurements in both groups, but with the exoskeleton group scoring significantly better on average in functional ambulation category grading (1.63±0.72). Both groups′ iEMGs had also improved significantly compared with before treatment, but the exoskeleton group′s average result was by that time significantly better than the control group′s average.Conclusions:A wearable exoskeleton can effectively improve the rehabilitation of walking, lower limb movement, balance and skill in the activities of daily living of persons with subacute stroke. It better activates the affected lower limb muscles and improves the symmetry of bilateral lower limb muscle activation.
