Prospective, Blinded, Randomized Crossover Study of Gait Rehabilitation in Stroke Patients Using the Lokomat Gait Orthosis
By Mayr, Andreas; Kofler, Markus; Quirbach, Ellen; Matzak, Heintz; Froehlich, Katrin; Saltuari, Leopold; Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, Vol. 21, No. 4, pp. 307-314Publication Date: May 2007
Summary of a study testing the feasibility and efficacy of using an electromechanical-driven gait orthosis (Lokomat) for treadmill training in gait rehabilitation of stroke patients. The Lokomat consists of a treadmill, a driven gait orthosis, a suspension system to provide body weight support, and a computer for individual gait adaptation. Sixteen stroke patients, mostly within 3 months after onset, were randomized into 2 groups, ABA or BAB (A=3 weeks of Lokomat training; B=3 weeks of conventional physical therapy), for 5-days-a-week treatment during 9 weeks. Each patient was evaluated, using 7 scales, assessing gait and motor function at baseline and after 3, 6 and 9 weeks. The study found that the more intensive, task-specific training provided by the Lokomat led to several better walking outcomes compared to the conventional phase of training; however, it cannot replace conventional physical therapy but may serve as an adjunct, especially early after stroke and in persistently poor walkers. Implications for further development of the orthosis are discussed.
Assistive Products Discussed: LOKOMATPRO (VERSIONS 5 & 6)
Published by: Sage Publications (Website:http://www.sagepub.com)
American Society of Neurorehabilitation (Web Site: http://www.asnr.com )
Link to text: http://nnr.sagepub.com/content/21/4/307.abstract
