The Effect of Overground-based Robot-Assisted Gait Training on the Walking Ability in Subacute Stroke Patients

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of overground robotassisted gait training on the gait of patients with subacute stroke. Methods A total of 24 patients with subacute stroke participated in the study. 12 patients were assigned to the overground robotassisted gait training group (experimental group, EG), while the other 12 patients were assigned to the treadmill gait training group (control group, CG). The training sessions were conducted three times a week for 30 minutes each day over a total period of 4 weeks. Both groups underwent functional assessments related to walking before and after the treatment. Results A comparison of the outcomes from the two groups revealed a significant difference in step/stride length, center of pressure (COP), and FuglMeyer assessment (FMA) after training in the experimental group (EG) (p < 0.001). Additionally, there was a significant difference in step/stride length, COP, and FMA after training in the control group (CG) (p < 0.05). When evaluating the two groups, a significant difference was observed in the group that underwent overground robotassisted gait training (EG) (p < 0.001). Conclusion These findings indicate that overground robotassisted gait training positively impacts walking improvement in patients with subacute stroke.