Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technology
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Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol · Feb 2017
Clinical TrialGait training of subacute stroke patients using a hybrid assistive limb: a pilot study.
Purpose To determine whether gait training with a hybrid assistive limb (HAL) as an exoskeleton robotic device was safe and could increase functional mobility and gait ability in subacute stroke patients. Methods The participants were eight patients with post-stroke hemiparesis whose walking impairment and gait recovery curves had plateaued. The intervention program was gait training using HAL and a walker for 20 min daily 5 days a week for 5 weeks. ⋯ Conclusion The new HAL exoskeleton robotic device was efficient and safe for improving motor function and gait in patients in the subacute stage after stroke. Implications for Rehabilitation Gait training using HAL will improve gait ability of individuals with post stroke. The HAL achieve intensive gait training without increase spasticity and abnormal gait pattern.