Highlights
- GEAR training was conducted 20 sessions at 1 h/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks.
- Gait speed was increased at completion of training and follow-up in GEAR.
- GRC scales were increased at completion of training and follow-up in GEAR
- GEAR training was effective for improving gait ability in chronic stroke.
Abstract
Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate whether gait training using the Gait Exercise Assist Robot (GEAR) is more effective for improving gait ability than treadmill gait training in chronic stroke subjects.
Design
Subjects were randomly assigned to either the GEAR group (n = 8) or treadmill group (n = 11). Both groups received a training program of 20 sessions (5 days/week). The 10-m walk test, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, 6-min walk test, the Medical Outcome Study 8-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-8), and Global Rating of Change (GRC) scales were administered at baseline (week 0), completion of training (week 4), 1-mo follow-up (week 8), and 3-mo follow-up (week 16).
Results
Gait speed was significantly increased at completion of training and 1-mo follow-up compared with baseline in the GEAR group. Mean changes in TUG and 6-min walk were significantly greater in the GEAR group than in the treadmill group at completion of training compared to baseline. Furthermore, GRC scales were significantly increased at completion of training, 1-mo follow-up, and 3-mo follow-up compared with baseline in the GEAR group.
Conclusion
This study suggests that gait training using GEAR was more effective for improving gait ability than treadmill among subjects with chronic stroke.
TBI Rehabilitation 