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Efficacy of the Gait Training Using Footpad-Type Locomotion Interface in Chronic Post-Stroke Patients: A Pilot Study

Naoki Tanaka, Hiroaki Yano and Hisako Yanagi

Purpose: In recent years, robotics have been used for rehabilitation. We developed a footpad-type locomotion interface using robot technology, and we reported improvement on gait speed and muscle strength. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of gait training using a footpad-type locomotion interface (GTLI) with those of body weight support treadmill training (BWSTT).

Methods: Eleven chronic post-stroke patients participated in this study. The subjects received GTLI and BWSTT respectively three times a week for a total of 12 times. The outcome measures were maximum gait speed, timed up and go test, and isometric muscle strengths of both hip and knee flexion and extension

Result: No differences were observed in the gait speed and timed up and go test among GTLI and BWSTT. In isometric muscle strengths, GTLI improved better than BWSTT.

Conclusion: These results suggest that GTLI and BWST have similar effects on improving the gait and balance abilities. In addition, GTLI is more effective in improving the isometric muscle strength of hip extension and knee flexion than using BWSTT.