The effect of pelvic movements of a gait training system for stroke patients: a single blind, randomized, parallel study

Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-021-00964-7 · Published: November 15, 2021

Assistive Technology Neurology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether adding pelvic movements to robotic gait training can improve walking ability in stroke patients. A robotic system called Healbot T, capable of providing pelvic motions, was used. Stroke patients were divided into two groups: one group received gait training with pelvic movements, and the other group did not. The researchers then compared the muscle activity and walking ability of both groups. The study found that the group receiving pelvic movements showed increased muscle activation and improvements in cadence and walking speed, suggesting that pelvic movements can enhance gait training for stroke patients.

Study Duration

December 2018 to June 2019

Participants

24 stroke patients with hemiparesis

Evidence Level

Level 1, Randomized, single-blind, parallel-group study

Key Findings

1
Stride length significantly increased in both groups after gait training with Healbot T.
2
Cadence and walking speed of the pelvis-on group were increased by 10.6% and 11.8%, respectively.
3
EMG signals from gluteus medius of the pelvis-on group increased by 88.6% during stance phase, indicating increased muscle activation.

Research Summary

This study evaluated the effects of pelvic movements during gait training on stroke patients using a robotic gait training system (Healbot T). The results showed that providing pelvic movements during gait training led to increased voluntary muscle activation and improved cadence and walking speed. The findings suggest that incorporating pelvic movements into robotic gait training can enhance rehabilitation outcomes for stroke patients by improving balancing and weight shifting.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Gait Rehabilitation

Incorporating pelvic movements in robotic gait training systems can lead to more effective rehabilitation for stroke patients.

Improved Muscle Activation

Pelvic movements during gait training can promote voluntary muscle activation, particularly in the gluteus medius, which is crucial for balance and weight shifting.

Better Walking Outcomes

Gait training with pelvic movements can improve cadence and walking speed, leading to better overall walking ability for stroke patients.

Study Limitations

1
Small number of subjects, although the experimental results showed positive effects of the pelvic movements during gait training.
2
It is not clear if the gait training has long-term effects on the functionality of the participants.
3
It was not clear if it was optimal to use the unimpaired gait patterns in the training for maximum retention of the effect of the trainings.

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