Comparing the Effects of Exoskeletal-Type Robot-Assisted Gait Training on Patients with Ataxic or Hemiplegic Stroke

This study aimed to discover the effects of robotic rehabilitation utilizing an exoskeletaltype robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) device on patients with ataxic and hemiplegic stroke and to compare its effectiveness between the two groups. This was a retrospective study, and the electronic charts of 22 patients who underwent RAGT treatment from October 2019 to June 2021 were reviewed. Patients were divided into ataxic and hemiplegic groups based on their symptoms. The clinical outcome measures included the Berg balance scale (BBS), functional ambulation category (FAC), and mobility subcategories of the modified Barthel Index (MBI-m). Outcome measures were reviewed at two points within 48 h, before and after RAGT with EXOWALK (R), a type of exoskeletal robot. After the RAGT sessions, total patients in both ataxic and hemiplegic groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in BBS (p < 0.0001, p = 0.002, and p = 0.005, respectively) and MBI-m (p < 0.0001, p = 0.002, and p = 0.011, respectively). Additionally, FAC after RAGT was significantly improved (p = 0.0056). The regression coefficient of the number of RAGT treatments for BBS changes in the nine subjects was estimated to be 2.45; 3.50 in the ataxic group and 2.26 in the hemiplegic group. The regression coefficient of the number of RAGT treatments for MBI-m changes in the nine subjects was estimated to be 0.16; 4.00 in the ataxic group and -0.52 in the hemiplegic group. Our results suggest that RAGT using an exoskeletal-type robot, EXOWALK (R), could be effective for improving walking capacity, balance, and daily activities of life in patients with ataxic and hemiplegic stroke.