Effects of high-intensity interval robot-assisted gait training on cardiopulmonary function and walking ability in chronic stroke survivors: A multicenter single-blind randomized controlled trial

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Do, Junghwa^a | Lim, Woo-Taek^b | Kim, Dae Yul^{a; *} | Ko, Eun Jae^a | Ko, Myoung-Hwan^c | Kim, Geon Woo^d | Kim, Ji Hye^d | Kim, SooBin^a | Kim, Hwal^a

Affiliations: [a] Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea | [b] Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health and Welfare, Woosong University, Daejeon, Korea | [c] Department of Physical Medicine of Rehabilitation, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea | [d] Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Dae Yul Kim, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul 05505, Korea. Tel.: +82 2 3010 3793; Fax: +82 2 3010 8125. E-mail: dykimsmart@gmail.com.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Chronic stroke can impair cardiopulmonary function, mobility, and daily activities. This study assessed the impact of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) on such impairments. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of robot-assisted gait training on cardiopulmonary function, walking ability, lower extremity function and strength, activities of daily living (ADLs), and blood test results among individuals with chronic stroke. METHODS: A multicenter, prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial with 22 chronic stroke participants compared RAGT against a control exercise regimen. RAGT involved three days weekly sessions of high-intensity interval training for 8 weeks (24 sessions) with a Morning Walk® device. The control group also performed home exercises. (24 sessions) Measures included VO2max, Functional Ambulatory Category, 2-minute walk test, 10-meter walk test, Motricity Index-Lower, Korean version of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale, Modified Barthel Index, Berg Balance Scale, muscle strength, InBody body composition, and blood tests (cholesterol, lipid, glucose). RESULTS: RAGT significantly improved VO2max, gait, balance, and lower limb strength compared with controls, with significant improvements in 2-minute walk test, 10-meter walk test, Motricity Index-Lower, and Fugl-Meyer Assessment outcomes. No changes were seen in muscle mass or blood markers. CONCLUSION: RAGT enhances cardiopulmonary function and ambulatory capacity in chronic stroke patients, underscoring its potential in stroke rehabilitation.

Keywords: Cerebrovascular accident, robotics, high-intensity interval training, rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-230385

Journal: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 37, no. 5, pp. 1309-1319, 2024