Investigating the Effectiveness of Using the Hip Exoskeleton Assistive Robot (FUM-HEXA) on Endurance, Gait Symmetry, Stride Time and Cadence in Hemiplegic Stroke Patients: A Single-Arm Clinical Trial

Stroke is one of the most common neurological disorders and a major cause of long-term disabilities in individuals. This condition gives rise to many issues, including functional and cognitive impairments, disabilities, motor deficits, and gait disturbances. The recovery of motor functions related to walking is crucial for these patients. Gait rehabilitation in such cases necessitates repetitive exercises and long-term duration. Therefore, using assistive robots in gait training can address these needs and alleviate the burden on therapists. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the impact of utilizing the exoskeleton Assistive Robot of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, FUMHEXA, on the movement parameters in hemiplegic stroke patients. In this study, 12 hemiplegic stroke patients underwent a 12-session treatment regimen with the FUM-HEXA robot. This study introduced four laboratory indicators of walking endurance, symmetry, cadence, and stride time, which are calculated using movement sensors to evaluate patients’ health. The results indicate improvements in walking endurance, increased gait symmetry with the robot-assisted therapy, increased cadence, and decreased stride time. Considering the challenges and time-intensive nature of gait rehabilitation, along with the substantial pressure on therapists, the FUM-HEXA robot seems to serve as a helpful rehabilitation tool alongside other therapeutic modalities. This is achieved by providing targeted and repetitive walking exercises and relieving both the psychological and physical stress from physiotherapist during gait rehabilitation.