ObjectiveTo explore effect of the ankle soft robotic exosuits (ASRE) on gait function in stroke patients. MethodsDatabases including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP were searched for researches evaluating the impact of ASRE on gait function in stroke patients with hemiplegia, covering the period from January 1st, 2020 to May 1st, 2025. The PEDro scale and the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions tool were used to assess the quality of the included researches, and data were extracted for a scoping review. ResultsA total of twelve researches were finally included, consisting of three randomized controlled trials (RCT), three cross-over controlled trials and six pre-post controlled trials, which came from three countries of China, the United States and South Korea, involving 256 patients. The three RCT were rated as high-quality, while the remaining researches were presented moderate to serious risk of bias. Five researches employed a single-session intervention; and seven used multiple-session intervention, with 30 to 60 minutes a session, two to five sessions a week, for five to 20 sessions. ASRE was effective on walking speed, walking distance, propulsive force of the hemiplegic side, gait parameters and spatiotemporal symmetry, joint range of motion, as well as the scores of scales related to lower limb motor function, balance and gait, with favorable safety and reliability. ConclusionASRE may improve the gait function in stroke patients.

Objective To analyze the educational characteristics of physical therapy in universities of United States, and provide reference for the international development of rehabilitation therapy education in China.Methods Based on the data collected from the official websites of three universities in the United States and the databases at home and abroad, combined with the author's learning experience, the characteristics of physical therapy education in universities of United States in detail was analyzed.Results Characteristics of physical therapy education in universities of United States had strict accreditation system, course objectives oriented by practicing competence, comprehensive curriculum plan, educational concept of student-centered, high level of teaching informatization, diversified teaching and learning evaluation system, which conformed to the goal of rehabilitation competency of World Health Organization.Conclusion Physical therapy education in United States has remarkable characteristics and a well-developed system, which has certain reference value for China.

Objective To observe the effects of dual-task motor training on motor and balance function for stroke patients. Methods From January, 2016 to June, 2017, 30 patients with stroke were assigned randomly into control group (n = 15) and treatment group (n = 15). Both groups accepted routine physical therapy, the control group accepted anti-gravity treadmill training, while the treatment group accepted dual-task training with anti-gravity treadmill, for four weeks. They were measured with balance training and evaluation system, and assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-lower extremity (FMA-L), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and modified Barthel Index (MBI), before and after treatment. Results The range of swaying on X axial (Rx) and Y axial (Ry), as well as rectangle area (RecArea) decreased after treatment in the treatment group (t > 4.719, P < 0.001), while RecArea decreased in the control group (t = 5.069, P < 0.001). Ry and RecArea were less in the treatment group than in the control group (t > 2.288, P < 0.05). The scores of FMA-L, BBS and MBI improved after treatment in both groups (t > 7.316, P < 0.001), and improved more in the treatment group than in the control group (t > 2.322, P < 0.05). Conclusion The dual-task training via anti-gravity treadmill may improve motor and balance function in stroke patients, and promote the activities of daily living.