Affiliations: [a] Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Ferrara University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy | [b] Doctoral Program in Advanced Sciences in Rehabilitation Medicine and Sport, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy | [c] Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Sofia Straudi, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Ferrara University Hospital, Via della Fiera, 44100 Ferrara, Italy. Tel.: +39 0532 238721; Fax: +39 0532 238703; E-mail: s.straudi@ospfe.it
Abstract: Background:Gait disorders are common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and lead to a progressive reduction of function and quality of life. Objective:Test the effects of robot-assisted gait rehabilitation in MS subjects through a pilot randomized-controlled study. Methods:We enrolled MS subjects with Expanded Disability Status Scale scores within 4.5–6.5. The experimental group received 12 robot-assisted gait training sessions over 6 weeks. The control group received the same amount of conventional physiotherapy. Outcomes measures were both biomechanical assessment of gait, including kinematics and spatio-temporal parameters, and clinical test of walking endurance (six-minute walk test) and mobility (Up and Go Test). Results:16 subjects (n = 8 experimental group, n = 8 control group) were included in the final analysis. At baseline the two groups were similar in all variables, except for step length. Data showed walking endurance, as well as spatio-temporal gait parameters improvements after robot-assisted gait training. Pelvic antiversion and reduced hip extension during terminal stance ameliorated after aforementioned intervention. Conclusions:Robot-assisted gait training seems to be effective in increasing walking competency in MS subjects. Moreover, it could be helpful in restoring the kinematic of the hip and pelvis.
