Comparative Effects of Different Assistance Force During Robot-assisted Gait Training on Locomotor Functions in Patients with Subacute Stroke: An Assessor-blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective To compare the effects of progressive reducing assistance force (AF) versus full AF controlled robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) combined with conventional physiotherapy on locomotor functions in patients with subacute stroke. Design Inpatients with subacute stroke (N=29; 16 men; Functional Ambulation Category [FAC] score, 1±0.9) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: a progressive reducing AF group (n=15) or a full AF group (n=14). The progressive reducing AF group performed RAGT sessions from 100%-AF at the outset to 60%-AF at the end of the RAGT, while the full AF group received 100%-AF throughout the RAGT sessions. Both groups performed RAGT combined with conventional physiotherapy 5 days a week for 4 weeks. After intervention, all patients then underwent only conventional physiotherapy 5 days a week for 4-weeks of follow-up. Results The Mann-Whitney U test between-group comparisons showed that improvements were significantly greater in the progressive reducing AF group for the FAC, knee extensors torque, and Berg Balance Scale relative to the full AF group, both at post-intervention and at follow-up. Conclusion Progressive reducing AF control during RAGT combined with conventional physiotherapy may be more beneficial for improving locomotor functions in patients with subacute stroke.