Effect of exoskeleton robot-assisted gait training on lower limb function after stroke and spinal cord injury:a sys-tematic review
10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2025.08.007
- VernacularTitle:外骨骼机器人辅助步态训练对脑卒中和脊髓损伤下肢功能康复效果的系统综述
- Author:
Xiaofeng WANG
1
;
Mengqiao HU
;
Yan WANG
;
Kun WEI
;
Wenzhu XU
;
Dan REN
;
Ye MA
Author Information
1. 宁波市康复医院,浙江 宁波市 315100
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
stroke;
spinal cord injury;
gait;
lower limb motor function;
exoskeleton;
systematic review
- From:
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice
2025;31(8):914-921
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To systematically evaluate robot-assisted gait training(RAGT)on motor function,ambulation and activities of daily living of patients after stroke and spinal cord injury(SCI),and to investigate the clinical value of differ-ent robotic technologies and control strategies.Methods In accordance with PRISMA guidelines,relevant randomized controlled trials(RCTs)published between 2020 and 2024 were identified from databases including Scopus,Web of Science,PubMed,Cochrane Library and CNKI.The PEDro scale was used to assess methodological quality,and a comprehensive analysis was performed on the therapeutic effects of RAGT on walking ability,balance,lower limb muscle strength and functional inde-pendence.Results Eight RCTs involving 702 participants were included,originating from countries such as China,Italy,India,Tur-key and Poland.The population consisted of adult patients with various subtypes of stroke or SCI.These studies were published in journals across geriatric neuroscience,biosciences,medicine and sports science.Interventions involved three categories of lower limb exoskeleton including treadmill-based systems(end-effector and exoskel-eton models),overground exoskeletons and specialized joint/platform-based robots.The training frequency was 20 to 45 minutes a time,once to twice a day,one to seven days a week,for a total of two to ten weeks.RAGT might significant improve gait parameters and lower limb muscle strength,though its impact on functional inde-pendence was heterogeneous.Adaptive control strategies(e.g.,assist-as-needed)proved superior to fixed-parame-ter modes.Treadmill-based systems(e.g.,Lokomat)were well-suited for early-stage rehabilitation,while over-ground exoskeletons(e.g.,EKSO-GT)better facilitated adaptation to real-world environments.Conclusion RAGT is an effective modality for improving gait and lower limb function of patients with stroke and SCI.The therapeutic outcome is contingent upon personalized setup of the exoskeleton and the implementation of adaptive control strategies.Different adaptive control modes have been developed for the three main types of lower limb exoskeleton.Rehabilitation training should consider the specific lower limb tasks with the robot's cor-responding adaptive movement and control modes.
