A randomized controlled study incorporating an electromechanical gait machine, the Hybrid Assistive Limb, in gait training of patients with severe limitations in walking in the subacute phase after stroke.

ABSTRACT: Early onset, intensive and repetitive, gait training may improve outcome after stroke but for patients with severe limitations in walking, rehabilitation is a challenge. The Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) is a gait machine that captures voluntary actions and support gait motions. Previous studies of HAL indicate beneficial effects on walking, but these results need to be confirmed in blinded, randomized controlled studies. This study aimed to explore effects of incorporating gait training with HAL as part of an inpatient rehabilitation program after stroke. Thirty-two subacute stroke patients with severe limitations in walking were randomized to incorporated HAL training (4 days/week for 4 weeks) or conventional gait training only. Blinded assessments were carried out at baseline, after the i

SUBMITTER: Wall A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7048283 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature