Search

Abstract Background Stroke is a leading cause of serious gait impairments and restoring walking ability is a major goal of physical therapy interventions. Soft robotic exosuits are portable, lightweight, and unobtrusive assistive devices designed to improve the mobility of post-stroke individuals through facilitation of more natural paretic limb function during walking training. However, it is unknown whether long-term gait training using soft robotic exosuits will clinically impact gait function and quality of movement post-stroke. Objective The objective of this pilot study was to examine the therapeutic effects of soft robotic exosuit-augmented gait training on clinical and biomechanical gait outcomes in chronic post-stroke individuals. Methods Five post-stroke individuals received high intensity gait training augmented with a soft robotic exosuit, delivered in 18 sessions over 6–8 weeks. Performance based clinical outcomes and biomechanical gait quality parameters were measured at baseline, midpoint, and completion. Results Clinically meaningful improvements were observed in walking speed ( $$p$$ p

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of serious gait impairments and restoring walking ability is a major goal of physical therapy interventions. Soft robotic exosuits are portable, lightweight, and unobtrusive assistive devices designed to improve the mobility of post-stroke individuals through facilitation of more natural paretic limb function during walking training. However, it is unknown whether long-term gait training using soft robotic exosuits will clinically impact gait function and quality of movement post-stroke.Objective: The objective of this pilot study was to examine the therapeutic effects of soft robotic exosuit-augmented gait training on clinical and biomechanical gait outcomes in chronic post-stroke individuals.Methods: Five post-stroke individuals received high intensity gait training augmented with a soft robotic exosuit, delivered in 18 sessions over 6-8 weeks. Performance based clinical outcomes and biomechanical gait quality parameters were measured at baseline, midpoint, and completion.Results: Clinically meaningful improvements were observed in walking speed ([Formula: see text] < 0.05) and endurance ([Formula: see text] < 0.01) together with other traditional gait related outcomes. The gait quality measures including hip ([Formula: see text] < 0.01) and knee ([Formula: see text] < 0.05) flexion/extension exhibited an increase in range of motion in a symmetric manner ([Formula: see text] < 0.05). We also observed an increase in bilateral ankle angular velocities ([Formula: see text] < 0.05), suggesting biomechanical improvements in walking function.Conclusions: The results in this study offer preliminary evidence that a soft robotic exosuit can be a useful tool to augment high intensity gait training in a clinical setting. This study justifies more expanded research on soft exosuit technology with a larger post-stroke population for more reliable generalization. Trial registration This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT04251091). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neuromyelitis optica (NMO), similar to multiple sclerosis (MS), is an autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system. In people with central nervous system diagnoses, high-intensity gait training (HIGT) can support neuroplasticity, improving functional mobility. While low- to moderate-intensity exercise is beneficial in improving outcomes in individuals with NMO and MS, the impact of HIGT has not been thoroughly explored. This case study explores the safety and efficacy of HIGT in an individual with NMO., Methods: A 43-year-old man with NMO participated in a HIGT program utilizing the least amount of body weight support necessary to achieve a target heart rate of 60% to 80% of heart rate reserve or a Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion score of 15 to 17 during an in-patient rehabilitation stay. Interventions incorporated stair training, gait variances, and virtual reality., Results: The patient successfully completed a 90-minute training session 4 to 7 times per week for 6 weeks following a HIGT regimen for 40% to 60% of each session. Meaningful gains in bed mobility, transfers, and gait allowed for discharge to his home., Conclusions: This case suggests that HIGT in patients with NMO can be safe and effective in improving functional mobility. Due to the similarities between NMO and MS, this case provides a framework to assist clinicians in developing a HIGT plan of care for individuals with MS. Additional research is needed to clarify HIGT parameters, including intensity and duration, to improve functional mobility in individuals with MS., Competing Interests: Prior presentation: This material was presented as a poster at the American Physical Therapy Association's Combined Sections Meeting; February 5, 2022; San Antonio, Texas., (© 2024 Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers.)